This weekend on the spur of the moment I took Little O to see his first film in the cinema. My friend M, was taking her little Boy, L to see The Grinch and asked if we wanted to come along. L is a little older than Little O and has been to the cinema many times before but I was a little concerned that Little O would not want to sit still. I was very wrong. He spent a full hour absolutely mesmerised and very happy with his tub of popcorn. Then he took advantage of the fact that it was warm and dark to go to sleep until the end of the film. He is most definitely his father’s child.
As for the film itself, the story hasn’t changed much from the Dr. Seuss book it is based on. The residents of the town of Whoville are big fans of Christmas and they go all out every year. The only person who doesn’t get involved is The Grinch (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). He hates Christmas and people and keeps himself to himself, hiding out up a mountain with old his dog, Max for company.
When he crosses paths with Cindy-Lou Who (voiced by Cameron Seely), he decides it’s time for all this Christmas nonsense to end and he sets up a plan to steal all of the town’s decorations, food and presents.
Meanwhile Cindy-Lou’s greatest wish is that her overworked single mum, Donna (Rashida Jones) could have some time to herself so she decides to trap Santa and make sure he listens.
When it all comes down to it The Grinch is a pretty clichéd tale about the true meaning of Christmas, which is great for little ones. I can’t pretend that Little O had any idea what was going on but he was rapt (until he fell asleep) and there was nothing in it that was scary or that would inappropriate for a pre-schooler.
I liked the fact that Donna Who was a single mum with a lot of responsibilities. The Who family is reflective of a lot of modern families and Donna as well as the feisty but considerate Cindy-Lou are excellent female role models.
If it’s not your first Christmas tale there are some amazing gadgets to keep you engaged. The Grinch is a bit of an inventor and some of the stuff he has built is fascinating and super cool. Overall I had fun with it and enjoyed sharing this first cinematic experience with Little O. Would I have been satisfied with a 30 minute version, yes. Can I imagine myself watching it again? Well it probably won’t be down to me. I have watched The Incredibles about 400 more times than I ever wished to but let’s say if it was my choice one was enough.
If you have a little person you’d like to treat to a festive film, then this is a lovely choice.
3/5
abbiosbiston 
Great review! I have always loved the grinch, and I might go see it to go get in the holiday spirit:)
It’s really cute and there are some great funny moments.
The 1966 animated TV special (“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!) was a part of my holiday viewing year after year growing up. I’m so familiar with that version that It would be hard for me to go pay $18 to see a 90-minute version of the same story. I did see the 2000 live-action film with Jim Carreyman years ago and that only confirmed my thoughts.
I really enjoyed your review though. I’m curious but probably wait for streaming.
I’d not have gone to see it in the theatre if I wasn’t taking my little one but it would be a nice addition to some seasonal home viewing.
Great to hear that Little O enjoyed his first outing to the cinema. Get them interested in films early on! I won’t be watching the film of course. I couldn’t think of much worse. (Well, maybe ‘Frozen’ )
🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
I am not the biggest fan of animation but I have got a newfound appreciation watching through Little O’s eyes.
A film for a new generation. My five year old granddaughter loved it just as I had when I was five all those years ago…
It really is an ageless story, like so many Dr. Seuss tales.
That’s a great review glad you were able to find enjoyment in the film even through someone else’s eyes!
Thank you! I am finding it so lovely getting to re-experience things through my little boy.