How the Grinch Stole Christmas-Page to Screen

 By Dr. Seuss

Junior Easy/DVD

Reviewed by Jess

"The Grinch hated Christmas, the whole Christmas season. Please don't ask why, no one quite knows the reason."

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a classic and takes the Scrooge trope and makes it accessible for children.  This book was originally published in 1957 and has since become a Christmas favorite.

 

Without a doubt, my favorite version of the Grinch movies will always be the 2000 live action film starring Jim Carrey.  The opening sequence of the film is something that has always stayed with me and it is still one of my favorite parts of the film.  "Inside a snowflake like the one on your sleeve" was something that captured my imagination, and the concept of an entire world inside something so tiny was fascinating.  The movie has a great cast of characters and manages to make the Grinch both funny and cranky.  The transformation of the Grinch at the end of the film is believable as well.  He doesn't all of a sudden turn into the happiest Who in Whoville but he cheers up and starts to accept that not all Who's are bad.  Overall, this film did an excellent job of turning a children's book into a full-length film without adding superfluous scenes.

The 1966 animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas will always have a charm of it's own.  The classic animation style is reminiscent of the classic Disney movies.  The film is a faithful adaptation of the original book and is well worth a watch.

I hate to say this, but my least favorite version of the Grinch

movies is the animated 2018 film starring Benedict Cumberbatch.  While the Jim Carrey Grinch felt like it was made to entertain the whole family, the 2018 Grinch seems to be geared more towards a younger audience.  The Grinch isn't very grouchy, and has a sunny cave and a beautiful view of the valley. It seems like the Grinch is only considered crabby by the Who's because he doesn't want to live in town, but he is actually a relatively nice guy.  The plot of the film also deviates more from the original story than the other two films.  Cindy Lou is trying to find Santa so she can get him to help her single mother.  In the end, it is the Grinch who ends up helping Cindy Lou and her mother.  This film is an excellent option if you are looking for an alternate lighter version of The Grinch, I'm sure children will find it entertaining and enjoyable.  However, my favorite Grinch will always be Jim Carrey.

Book (Miami and Morden copies)

Book (Altona and Winkler copies)

Book (Manitou copy)

Audiobook

1966 Movie (dvd) Miami, Morden and Winkler copies

1966 Movie (dvd) Altona copy

2018 Benedict Cumberbatch movie version

*We don not currently have a copy of the Jim Carrey version of The Grinch, however, we will be getting one in at some point soon, so keep your eyes open for that.