Universal Pictures | Release Date: November 9, 2018
6.2
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 165 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
78
Mixed:
66
Negative:
21
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7
CATN1PNov 14, 2018
It's alright. I feel the whole thing with Cindy Lou's friends and mom was kind of unnecessary, but this movie is faithful to the original yet adds its own flavor at the same time.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
nicholi0901Dec 21, 2019
I love this better then the first one it was funny and felt like a more Doctor seuss movie the only thing that I don't like is the song a little bit different lol and I feel like compared to the first one they changed the story a little bitI love this better then the first one it was funny and felt like a more Doctor seuss movie the only thing that I don't like is the song a little bit different lol and I feel like compared to the first one they changed the story a little bit but a good movie for me Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
UnsightlyWhaleNov 25, 2018
I think this version surpassed the original in my mind. It remained faithful to it while adding only positives. New yearly Christmas movie for my family for sure.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
LadleReviewsDec 5, 2018
Hands down the best Grinch ever. The characters are smart, funny, realistic, and do a great job of recreating a classic. My ONE thing I don't like is the speed of things. Most of it is absolutely perfectly paced, but some parts such asHands down the best Grinch ever. The characters are smart, funny, realistic, and do a great job of recreating a classic. My ONE thing I don't like is the speed of things. Most of it is absolutely perfectly paced, but some parts such as [spoiler] aren't well thought out, but still make it so good. Cindy-Lou is different in a great way, and it so well expands on these characters and adds so many new ones which just fit in really well. Overall, this is one of the most well thought out remakes ever; it's colorful, fun, and enjoyable and is impossible not to love. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
gzayas91Nov 11, 2018
This is better than Jim Carry's ugly version. Is not better than Chuck Jones version, but is good enough as it is.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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7
NightReviewsNov 12, 2018
There are some Christmas traditions that are non-negotiable for a vast majority of people; gifts, excessive spending, eggnog, mistletoe and of course, watching some of your all-time favourite Christmas movies. While everyone has their ownThere are some Christmas traditions that are non-negotiable for a vast majority of people; gifts, excessive spending, eggnog, mistletoe and of course, watching some of your all-time favourite Christmas movies. While everyone has their own personal favourites, I can easily bet that one of those holiday tradition films, thats easily labeled as a ‘required viewing’ for the festive season is the 1966 Boris Karloff TV special How The Grinch Stole Christmas! Growing up and even today, its hard to flip through the channels without catching the original special. Yet, no matter how many times we’ve seen it before, or what part the special is on once you flip onto it, you can sure bet that the special will more than likely be watched until its heart-warming ending. Too bad, I’m sure the same can’t be said with the 2000 live action remake starring Jim Carrey. Luckily, 2018 has brought us a new, brighter and greener Mr.Grinch. From Illumination, the studio that brought us those adorable little minions we can’t get enough of, The Grinch is a vast, richly coloured, fun and most importantly, loyal addition to the Dr. Seuss canon; proving that sometimes, changing too much of a good thing, isn’t always better. Instead, Benedict Cumberbatch’s newest interpretation of the Grinch is loyal to the Boris Karloff original, channeling his wicked sense of humour, dark and twisted hate of a joyful holiday and its gleeful spirit and most of all, some exceptionally great voice work.

While almost everyone knows the basic narrative of the original story, this version pits us in a similar Whoville that we are all used to, but this time, the Mayor of Whoville, Mayor McGerkle (Angela Lansbury, yes the mayor is now a woman) declares Christmas be three times bigger; kind of ironic for a guy who’s heart is three times smaller than the average heart.

At an hour longer than the original film, you would think that screenwriters Michael LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow would dabble deeper into the past of a cute and small little fella, yet, despite brief flashbacks of a baby grinch in an empty orphanage, these questions aren’t really relevant in a child-friendly animation film in 2018 thats main intent is to cash in on cute and memorable commercial products for the 2018 holiday market. Even with very short and quick flashbacks of The Grinch’s Christmasless past, our miserable antagonist cannot seem too shake off these awful memories, no matter how much people around him, including the most cheerful who-of-them-all, The Grinch’s neighbour Mr.Bricklebaum (Kenan Thompson) tries to cheer our foul smelling greenie; nothing seems to glow his cold, cold heart.

Although its been over fifty years since the original aired, and almost two decades since the live action remake, there is something special about experiencing such an iconic cinematic character being cherished by children for the first time. Luckily for myself, despite all the genuine laughs, gags and jokes that I found myself chuckling to, one fo the best parts of experiencing The Grinch was hearing the cheers, laugher and questions of the kids around me in the theatre. Asking their parents why he is so mean, why is our titular character is so green when everyone is ‘normal’, and if the movie is done with every fade out. Despite the endless kicks to the back of my seat from the youngster behind me, nothing melted my heart more than hearing their little chuckles with every thrown snowball and sight-gag involving The Grinch.

Illumination, who luckily decided to really modernize the original story, and add its signature flare of whacky colours, vibrant animation and silly humour, does a fantastic job of staying true to the original, without ever compromising the fresh and radiant look of this 2018 version. Keeping many of the original characters was also a great choice, including the girl who challenges the grumpiness of favourite animated Scrooge, Cindy Lou Who (Cameron Seely), as well as, one of my loyal favourites, Max, the Grinch’s trusty yet sweet and loyal sole companion. Max warms your heart with each smile, wag, bark, drool and use of his powerful puppy-eyes.

Yet, while the 2018 Grinch is a faithful interpretation, there are a few additions that we cannot help but fall in love with, including a yack-like looking reindeer Fred. Fred may be a tad overweight, have a slight obsession with whipped cream and pretty well eat anything in his sight (including Grinchie’s hair), Fred is a fantastic addition to the world of Dr.Suess, especially this adaptation of The Grinch. Along with Max, the two front-runners to guide the Grinch’s sleight that night, give the audiences the majority of the laughs to a newly vamped up Christmas classic.

While The Grinch’s message of warmth and wonder is simple and never really changes between fifty years and three adaptations, it seems like each and every year, all of us need a real reminder of what the holidays are all about.
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3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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8
clarkaddisonNov 9, 2018
The best animated dog of this decade exists here. Max is just the cutest little guy. The Who`s look great including Cindy. Cumberbatch does well with the titular role. A perfectly safe film for the whole family of all age groups
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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10
lugNov 11, 2018
Truly enjoyed this remake.have seen both of the other versions. Prefer this one!!
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
Donnie1Nov 13, 2018
Yes! Perfect! Amazing movie, very very good movie, But some of it gets kinda boring.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
BigbroNov 12, 2018
Ok so walking into the movie I wasn't quite sure what it would be like what was in store well I loved this movie yes every inch of time spent with our good friend that Grinch the movie was funny yes quite a site some might say I was laughingOk so walking into the movie I wasn't quite sure what it would be like what was in store well I loved this movie yes every inch of time spent with our good friend that Grinch the movie was funny yes quite a site some might say I was laughing all night the movie was wonderful yes this is true q really enjoyed this movie and I think so will you this movie was great that's all there is too it that's why I came home so I could review it its a great family comedy oh yes indeed you might find it the movie that your family needs Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
Ferny777Nov 14, 2018
This movie was so worth watching since it was completely faithful from its original source material unlike Mike Myers's The Cat In The Hat.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
BrettSiebenhaarNov 10, 2018
Wow, I do not understand where the negative or mixed reviews are coming from. I am 36 years old and I grew up with the original cartoon movie and I use the book in my Kindergarten class. This movie is perfect. I can not think of anyWow, I do not understand where the negative or mixed reviews are coming from. I am 36 years old and I grew up with the original cartoon movie and I use the book in my Kindergarten class. This movie is perfect. I can not think of any negative things to say. The voices, the artwork, and the overall story is perfect. They did change a few things from the original, but it did not hurt the story. It actually made the story more heart felt to me. Fred the fat reindeer is the highlight of the movie! If you like Dr. Seuss and if you like the original Grinch, GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!! I actually want to live in Who-ville. By the way, a trailer for The Secret Life of Pets 2 is shown prior!!!!! CANT WAIT!!! Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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7
Jim222001Jan 30, 2019
Cuter and more charming than the loud and overstuffed Jim Carrey version. It’s just too obvious that not much will take for this Grinch to be nice. Since yes he’s a jerk but with a nice guy side throughout the film. This version is easilyCuter and more charming than the loud and overstuffed Jim Carrey version. It’s just too obvious that not much will take for this Grinch to be nice. Since yes he’s a jerk but with a nice guy side throughout the film. This version is easily better than the Carrey one though. It may even get more of an emotional reaction than the original short. Still, it does nothing too spectacular with a story we all know by now. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
moviemitch96Nov 9, 2018
Of course we all know this classic story, but here it gets a fun, lively, and colorful makeover courtesy of Illumination (the animation studio that brought us the Despicable Me films.) Benedict Cumberbatch, who lends his voice to the titularOf course we all know this classic story, but here it gets a fun, lively, and colorful makeover courtesy of Illumination (the animation studio that brought us the Despicable Me films.) Benedict Cumberbatch, who lends his voice to the titular character, is also a delight and brings great fun to the film! Overall, it may be simple and pretty standard and close to the original story and cartoon, but its timeless message and humorous antics are so much fun that it hardly matters, and I'm just relieved it was nowhere as near as obnoxious as the Jim Carrey one! Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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10
PanchogulDec 8, 2018
Valió la pena esperar tanto para ver esta película, quedé totalmente satisfecho
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
JPKJun 9, 2019
A Unique Adaptation This Grinch adaptation is no Christmas classic, But it’s certainly an entertaining adaptation.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
JoeiDec 28, 2018
This movie was super sweet. It was a very innocent take on the Grinch.
The animation and visuals were beautiful. While the choice of having a rapper be the narrator was fitting, the choice of rap for the soundtrack was an odd choice that
This movie was super sweet. It was a very innocent take on the Grinch.
The animation and visuals were beautiful. While the choice of having a rapper be the narrator was fitting, the choice of rap for the soundtrack was an odd choice that didn't fit the sweet and innocent tone of the film.
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0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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10
sman08Dec 24, 2020
This movie is amazing.
Very kind, good for both children and adults.
The animation is really good. The picture is beautiful.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
MonkiReviewsAug 28, 2020
A great Christmas movie! I really enjoyed the animation, which showed off details and funny situations. The voice acting fit each character well too. The story though was too short, it could have been longer and added more to the story, whichA great Christmas movie! I really enjoyed the animation, which showed off details and funny situations. The voice acting fit each character well too. The story though was too short, it could have been longer and added more to the story, which was still awesome, funny, and had great scenery. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
KelvinSelimorDec 26, 2021
The Grinch. He's trying to steal Christmas again. Very nice and kind Christmas cartoon. Perhaps this version of the Grinch will seem too kind to many, but this does not spoil the impression at all.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
manningn15Nov 12, 2018
A very cute, funny, and sweet retelling of the original. The animation was spectacular and gorgeous. The voice over performances were great especially Benedict Cumberbatch and Cameron Seely. Though there will never be one that is better thanA very cute, funny, and sweet retelling of the original. The animation was spectacular and gorgeous. The voice over performances were great especially Benedict Cumberbatch and Cameron Seely. Though there will never be one that is better than the original this one was a fantastic remake. Merry Christmas. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
TRANSFORMERSFANMar 12, 2021
one of the best movies from 2018 along with ralph breaks the internet, incredibles 2, and avengers infinity war!
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
YippiSkippiMay 14, 2021
Anyone giving this a bad score is an anime fan and therefore has an invalid opinion.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
jakebayne2002Dec 23, 2021
good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
superfrog281May 8, 2023
The film is yet another remake, but this time in a different way. The first adaptation was traditionally animated, the second was live action, but the third one, computer animated. I really wasn't interested in the second one that much, evenThe film is yet another remake, but this time in a different way. The first adaptation was traditionally animated, the second was live action, but the third one, computer animated. I really wasn't interested in the second one that much, even though Jim Carrey kind of saved it for me. I think this new Grinch movie played to the source material very well and sparks a lot of fun humor. It's also very touching. Would recommend; especially to someone who never saw a Grinch adaptation. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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