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Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Review Date: November 15, 2006
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2000
Common Sense Media says
Heartwarming TV special true to Seuss' classic.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this classic children's tale -- read line-by-line by Boris Karloff -- contains moments of extremely mild peril. The Grinch's dog is abused -- slammed into snow drifts and run over by the sleigh. And very young or sensitive children may become slightly distraught at the Grinch stealing all the Whos' Christmas presents. But there's far more to recommend in this TV special than there is to worry about. It's a classic that should be required holiday viewing for every family that celebrates Christmas.
What's the story?
It's the day before Christmas, and all the Grinch can think about is how much he hates the whole Christmas season. "No one quite knows the reason. It could be perhaps that his shoes were too tight. It could be his head wasn't screwed on just right. But I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small." Naturally, then, the Grinch hates the Whos in Whoville, who string up the lights, hang the holly Who-wreath, and play with the confoundingly loud jing-tinglers, floobfloobers, and tar tinkers. He can't stand it! So he hatches a plot to stop Christmas from coming. Dressed as a rag-tag Santa, the Grinch sneaks into every home and, with the coerced help of his dog, drags all their Christmas decorations, food, and presents back up the mountain. But can he stop Christmas from coming? And can the love that Christmas embodies save his shriveled heart? If you were born in the past 50 years, you know the answer to that question.
Is it any good?
Forget those nasty Christmas movies that are too cynical and cool to be heartwarming, and settle your family down for a viewing of DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS. This classic, animated retelling of the beloved Theodore Geisel book is true to its roots and its heartwarming moral. It's a sweet, soothing story, nearly the polar opposite of movies like Jingle All the Way or even the classic A Christmas Story, with their focus on consumerism. This 30-minute cartoon will introduce a new generation to the adorably put-up dog; the nasty, green face of the Grinch; and the angelic Cindy Lou Who. And it will have youngsters bopping along to great songs like "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." Kids are likely to howl in delight at descriptions like, "You have termites in your smile. You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile!"
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about whether they act like the Whos or not.
Would you enjoy Christmas as much without lots of presents?
How do you make Christmas special?
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- Teens & kids
Parent
October 14, 2010
AGE
Great Message in a Short Film
This is a not to miss movie in our house every Christmas. The Grinch goes from looking and acting like the "eel" the famous song describes him as, to a happier, more gentle Grinch when he realizes that the Who's joy isn't monetary, it's spiritual. What a lovely sentiment! Plus, poor Max's dash down the mountain as a "reindeer" still makes us laugh. FYI, he isn't run over by the sleigh, but more slides under it when the sleigh overtakes him downhill.
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Teen, 13 years old
July 11, 2009
AGE
Great, charming, and classic movie for all ages!
This movie is really good and I still enjoy watching it! It teaches kids great lessons and isn't spoiled by crude language or anything bad or questionable. Great family movie and classic for anyone and everyone!
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Adult
December 22, 2009
AGE
I love the Grinch and still won't miss it even at age 47!
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Adult
February 24, 2010
AGE
Okay, what is up with the overall scores?
At first, I thought maybe people who didn't grow up during the 50's-90's just didn't realize what made this such a great classic, but no, this is something I have noticed with the site in general now. Something is seriously wrong with their overall scores because I see nothing but positive reviews for this widely appreciated classic and yet kid reviews has an average score of 1 star... how?
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Parent of 11 and 15 year old
April 21, 2011
AGE
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Adult
December 23, 2009
AGE
I wish I had more hands so I could give a greater number of thumbs up
Never gets old.
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Parent of 2 year old
May 3, 2010
AGE
Classic - even for little ones.
This is a favorite in our house. The book, the soundtrack, and the movie are regulars, even though our daughter only watches 1 or 2 shows a week (on weekend mornings). She requests the music from the movie throughout the week, too. She seems to slide right over the taking presents thing and the dog falling, and waits for the end when the Grinch gets "happy," and everyone sings.
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Kid, 11 years old
December 10, 2009
AGE
way better than the other one
i like this one alot better than the real people one! this one is cute and clever
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| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Director: | Chuck Jones |
| Cast: | Boris Karloff |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 26 minutes |
| DVD release date: | October 30, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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