Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Review Date: November 15, 2006
- Rated: NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Release Year: 1966
- Running Time: 26 minutes
What parents need to know
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.
User reviews
Parents say
Kids say
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!"
Families can talk about...
Families can talk about whether they act like the Whos or not.
Would you enjoy Christmas as much without presents?
How do you make Christmas special?
Movie details
| Theatrical release date: | December 18, 1966 |
| DVD release date: | October 30, 2000 |
| Cast: | Boris Karloff |
| Director: | Chuck Jones |
| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Character strengths: | Gratitude, Humility |
| Run time: | 26 minutes |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
About Our Rating System
Great handpicked alternatives
-
Peppy holiday favorite for both kids and parents.age 7+ -
A gentle, fuzzy version of the Dickens classic.age 5+
-
Old-school, heartwarming classic for all ages.age 3+
For kids who love christmas
Browse more movies
Top advice and articles
What parents and kids say
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines
Great Message in a Short Film
Great, charming, and classic movie for all ages!
