The Grinch is still green and mean – Blu-ray review

By Tribute on February 5, 2019 | 2 Comments

If you’re a fan of the successful 2001 live-action movie Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, like myself, you might think that a more successful Grinch movie would be impossible. However, I have to give credit where it’s due and give directors Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney two thumbs up on the latest adaptation: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch.

The movie comes to life using crystal clear computer animation. Based on the 1957 book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (which spawned a much-beloved 1966 TV adaptation of the same name), we see the story of the Grinch, a mean, green, fuzzy Who, who hates the Whos who live in Whoville.

The grumpy Grinch hates everything about Christmas. No one quite knows the reason, but it definitely has to do with the fact that his heart is two sizes too small. When it’s announced this Christmas is to be three times bigger than ever before, making it the biggest Christmas in Whoville history, the Grinch wants no part of it, and tries to take back the night by stealing Christmas.

Benedict Cumberbatch voices the Grinch with a softer tone than in earlier versions, but he definitely delivers in terms of meanness. He brings all new laughs while sticking to the same old Grinch we hate to love.

On top of that we have the wonderful voice of Pharrell Williams narrating the film, and we’re reminded of this bonus with his catchy hit “Happy” playing in the film.

Although the Grinch stays true to the original character, it’s Cindy-Lou (Cameron Seely) who switches up on us… for the better. Her idea of Christmas doesn’t follow the same “Wanting everybody to be together for Christmas.” Rather, this Cindy-Lou’s perfect Christmas is all about catching Santa and making her mom happy.

Donna (Rashida Jones) is a single mom with three kids (including Cindy-Lou), who works overtime and doesn’t have time to care for herself. Cindy’s selfless, altruistic wish entails bringing happiness to her mom by catching Santa and telling him face-to-face exactly what she wants for her mom.

The Grinch’s character narrative is also changed a little in comparison. He still lives on Mount Crumpit with his dog Max, but in this version he takes in a roommate, adding a new background story, which I found to be adorable. Also, he doesn’t run away from his adoptive family in this movie… but I won’t ruin it, you’ll have to cry for yourself… I mean see. ~Emily Chavez

Bonus Features

*3 Mini-Movies – Yellow is the New Black, Dog Days of Winter and Santa’s Little Helpers.

*The making of the Mini-Movies – Behind-the-scenes footage on the making of the mini-movies, including Despicable Me‘s Minions.

*From Green to Screen – Exclusive interviews with the cast, filmmakers and artists on how the characters came to be.

*My Earliest Grinch Memories – The cast and filmmakers share their first memory and love for the Grinch.

*Who’s Who in Whoville – An interactive-map that shows us around Whoville and some of the Who citizens.

*”You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” Lyric Video –  A sing-along to Tyler, The Creator’s version of the song.

*Grinchy Gadgets – A look into the making of the Grinch’s innovative gadgets.

*Any Who Can Draw: The Grinch, Max, Fred – Illumination artist Mark O’Hare shows a step-by-step explanation of how to draw your favorite characters from the movie.

*Cindy-Lou’s Yule Log – A recreation of Cindy-Lou’s living room, including a big fake fireplace to play on your television.

If you have seen Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch and would like to rate/review it, click here.

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1. Snepts • February 7, 2019 @ 9:58 PM

   Who’s going to watch this in February…?

2. Snepts • February 7, 2019 @ 10:00 PM

   “If you’re a fan of the successful 2001 live-action movie Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, like myself, you might think that a more successful Grinch movie would be impossible.” Are you trying to be ironic?

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