The Grinch (film)

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This article is about the 2018 3D computer-animated film. For the 2000 live-action film known as "The Grinch" in the UK, see How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000 film).

The Grinch
The Grinch, final poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by
Screenplay by
Based onHow the Grinch Stole Christmas!
by Dr. Seuss
Produced by
Starring
Narrated byPharrell Williams
Edited byChris Cartagena
Music byDanny Elfman[1]
Production
companies
Distributed byUniversal Pictures[2]
Release date
  • October 22, 2018 (2018-10-22) (Regency Village Theater)
  • November 9, 2018 (2018-11-09) (United States)
Running time
86 minutes[3]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$75 million[3]
Box office$511.8 million[3]

The Grinch (also known as Dr. Seuss' The Grinch) is a 2018 American computer-animated Christmas fantasy film produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures. Based on the 1957 book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss, it is the third screen adaptation of the story, following the 1966 television special starring Boris Karloff and the 2000 live-action feature-length film starring Jim Carrey. It marks Illumination's second Dr. Seuss film adaptation, following The Lorax (2012). Directed by Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier (in his directorial debut), written by Michael LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow, and narrated by Pharrell Williams, the film stars the voices of Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Cameron Seely, and Angela Lansbury. The plot follows the Grinch and his dog Max as they plan to ruin Whoville's Christmas celebration by stealing all the town's decorations and gifts.

The Grinch was released and distributed by Universal Pictures in the United States on November 9, 2018, in RealD 3D, IMAX, IMAX 3D, Dolby Cinema, and 4DX theaters. It grossed over $511 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing holiday film of all-time, as well as the highest-grossing Dr. Seuss film adaptation. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the animation and the vocal performances, but felt the film added little or nothing new to the source material.[4] This was the final Dr. Seuss film adaptation released during the lifetime of Seuss's widow Audrey Geisel, who served as executive producer of the film and died on December 19, 2018, five weeks after the film's release.[5]

Plot[]

In the town of Whoville, the human-like people called Whos are filled with excitement about celebrating Christmas. However, the only one who is not amused is the cantankerous and green-furred Grinch, who has a heart being "two sizes too small". He lives in his cave with his dog, Max, and only goes into Whoville to buy groceries and play pranks on the citizens.

Meanwhile, 6-year-old Cindy Lou Who notices that her mother Donna is overworked trying to take care of herself and her twin infant brothers, Buster and Bean. Cindy initially decides to send a letter to Santa Claus to help her mother, but after an encounter with the Grinch, who sarcastically tells her that, if the matter is so urgent, she'll have to talk to Santa face-to-face about it, she decides to go to the North Pole to talk to Santa himself. When Donna tells her that a round trip to the North Pole would take a month, she instead decides to try trapping Santa with the help of her friends.

With Christmas approaching, a bungled attempt by the Grinch to ruin a tree-lighting ceremony results in him having a flashback about his disjointed childhood spent alone and unwanted in an orphanage. The Grinch soon decides that he will steal Christmas from Whoville to assuage his distress. He and Max acquire a fat reindeer, whom the Grinch calls Fred, and steal a sleigh from his friendly neighbor Mr. Bricklebaum. After a test run, the Grinch and Max discover that Fred has a family, and the Grinch emotionally agrees to let Fred go home with them.

On Christmas Eve, after making a Santa disguise and crafting dozens of gadgets to help him with his plan, the Grinch and Max, who pulls the sleigh in Fred's place, go down to Whoville to steal the decorations and presents. He soon encounters Cindy Lou after falling into her trap. Her request to help lighten her mother's workload and her kind advice about listening to the Whos' singing to alleviate his sadness touches the Grinch's heart. Despite this, the Grinch continues his mission, unable to let go of the loneliness Christmas brought him.

After stealing every Christmas present and decoration, the Grinch and Max head back to Mount Crumpit to dispose of them. The Whos wake up and are shocked and disappointed to see that the presents and decorations are gone. Cindy Lou believes that she's to blame because of her trap, but Donna tells her that Christmas is not centered on presents and that Cindy's the best thing that ever happened to her. The Whos join together to sing "Welcome Christmas", rendering the Grinch puzzled to see that they are celebrating Christmas despite his thefts. Seeing Cindy and remembering her advice, he immerses himself in their singing, causing his heart to blissfully triple in size. Afterwards, the sleigh begins to fall off Mount Crumpit, and the Grinch attempts to save it. He succeeds at this when Fred and his family come to his aid. After securing the sleigh, the Grinch and Max slide down back to Whoville in order to return the stolen items, and the Grinch admits his crimes and apologizes to the Whos before returning to his cave, ashamed of what he has done.

Feeling sorry for the Grinch, Cindy later invites him and Max to celebrate Christmas at her house which he awkwardly attends. When seated for dinner, he realizes that it wasn't really Christmas he despised, but being alone and his bitterness over being neglected. With this, the Grinch finally accepts the Whos' friendship and enjoys Christmas with them.

Voice cast[]

  • Benedict Cumberbatch as the Grinch, a resentful, disgruntled, cave-dwelling, green-furred creature who hates Christmas.
  • Cameron Seely as Cindy Lou Who, a kind-hearted young resident of Whoville.
  • Rashida Jones as Donna Who, Cindy Lou's overworked single mother.
  • Kenan Thompson as Bricklebaum, a jolly citizen of Whoville who lives near The Grinch.
  • Angela Lansbury as Mayor McGerkle, the Mayor of Whoville
  • Pharrell Williams as the Narrator
  • Tristan O'Hare as Groopert, Cindy Lou's best friend.
  • Sam Lavagnino as Ozzy, one of Cindy Lou's friends.
  • Ramone Hamilton as Axl, one of Cindy Lou's friends.
  • Scarlett Estevez as Izzy, one of Cindy Lou's friends.
  • Michael Beattie as the Store Clerk, a clerk who owns the Whoville grocery store.

Georgia Toffolo provided the voice of Mrs. Toffee Apple (a customer who was trying to reach a jar of "Christmas chutney") in one scene in some releases. Frank Welker provided the uncredited vocal effects for Max (the Grinch's pet dog) and Fred (a reindeer recruited by the Grinch to steal Christmas). In addition, Catherine Cavadini, Townsend Coleman, Jess Harnell, Laraine Newman, Scott Mosier, Mindy Sterling, Tara Strong, and Jim Ward all perform additional voices.

Archive recordings of Pentatonix were used for the Who-Carolers.

Production[]

Development[]

In February 2013, it was announced that Illumination was developing a 3D animated feature film based on the Dr. Seuss book, with the working title How the Grinch Stole Christmas, later shortened to The Grinch.[6] Peter Candeland and Yarrow Cheney were set to direct,[7] though in 2018 producer Scott Mosier took over from Candeland.[8]

Casting[]

Benedict Cumberbatch was cast as the titular character in April 2016.[7] Illumination originally wanted Cumberbatch to voice the Grinch in his natural accent, however, Cumberbatch felt that since the rest of the cast is American, the Grinch himself should have an American accent.[9] By September 2018, Angela Lansbury had been set to voice the Mayor of Whoville. Rashida Jones, Cameron Seely, and Kenan Thompson also joined the cast, while Pharrell Williams, who had previously worked on Illumination's Despicable Me films,[10] was revealed to be narrating the film.[11]

Animation[]

The animation was created by Illumination Mac Guff in Paris, France.[12] Several software programs were used in creating the film's CGI characters including Maya, ZBrush, and Nuke as well as in-house software.[13] A 3D CGI model of the town of Whoville through which a virtual camera could travel was crafted using Maya, ZBrush, Foundry’s Mari, and Allegorithmic’s Substance Painter.[13]

Music[]

Main article: Music Inspired by Illumination & Dr. Seuss' The Grinch
Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Soundtrack album by
Various Artists
ReleasedNovember 9, 2018
Recorded2018
GenreChristmas, rap, hip-hop, rock
Length37:00
LabelColumbia Records
Singles from Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: Original Motion Picture Score
  1. "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"
    Released: October 24, 2018
Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: Original Motion Picture Score
Film score by
Danny Elfman
ReleasedNovember 9, 2018
GenreFilm Score
Length48:00
LabelBack Lot Music
Danny Elfman chronology
Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot
(2018) 		Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: Original Motion Picture Score
(2018) 		Dumbo
(2019)

Tyler, the Creator wrote a new song for the film titled "I Am the Grinch".[11] Tyler and Danny Elfman, who composed the film's score, collaborated on a new version of the song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" for the film, which was featured in the final trailer,[11] and early on in the film itself.

On November 20, 2017, Danny Elfman was revealed to be composing the film's score.[1] Elfman's score was released on digital formats on November 9, 2018, along with the soundtrack (both digitally and on CD) and the film.[14]

Release[]

Theatrical[]

The film was originally scheduled to be released on November 10, 2017,[15] but on June 7, 2016, it was pushed back to November 9, 2018.[16]

Marketing[]

Beginning in October, various billboards appeared for the film, each featuring an image of the Grinch, accompanied by a mean or ironic message.[17] Universal and Illumination partnered with several companies to promote the film, including Wonderful Pistachios, Ebates, IHOP and 23andme for about $80 million worth of advertising.[18] All-in-all the studio spent an estimated $121 million promoting the film worldwide.[19] To promote the film, a giant inflatable balloon featuring the titular character first appeared at the 91st Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on November 23, 2017, 1 year ahead of its release.[20] Later in December 2018, The Grinch and Max also made cameos in that year's WNBC/WNJU holiday sing along promo.[21]

Home media[]

The film was released on Digital HD on January 22, 2019, and on DVD, Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on February 5, 2019. It includes three mini-movies: Yellow is the New Black (which preceded the film in its theatrical run), The Dog Days of Winter, and Santa's Little Helpers.[22] The Dog Days of Winter was first shown on NBC on November 23, 2018, after How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) and before Trolls Holiday.

Reception[]

Box office[]

The Grinch grossed $270.8 million in the United States and Canada, and $241 million in other countries, for a total worldwide gross of $511.8 million, against a production budget of $75 million.[3] Deadline Hollywood calculated its net profit to be $184.6 million, making it the ninth most-profitable release of 2018.[19] It is Universal's second biggest hit of 2018 behind Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

In the United States and Canada, The Grinch was released alongside The Girl in the Spider's Web and Overlord, and was projected to gross $55–65 million from 4,140 theaters in its opening weekend.[23][24] It made $18.7 million on its first day, including $2.2 million from Thursday night previews, more than the $1.7 million taken in by Illumination's Sing in 2016. It went on to debut to $67.6 million, finishing first at the box office and topping the 2000 film's $55 million opening.[25][26] In its second weekend the film made $38.2 million, finishing second behind newcomer Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.[27] In its third weekend the film made $30.2 million (including $42 million over the five-day Thanksgiving period), finishing fourth.[28] In its fourth and fifth weekends, the film finished second behind Ralph Breaks the Internet, grossing $17.9 million and $15.0 million, respectively. It marked the first-ever time animated films were the top two films at the box office in back-to-back weekends.[29]

Critical response[]

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 59% based on 193 reviews and an average rating of 6.00/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "The Grinch gives the classic Seuss source material a brightly animated update that's solidly suitable for younger viewers without adding substantially to the story's legacy."[30] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 51 out of 100, based on 32 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[31] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A–" on an A+ to F scale, while PostTrak reported filmgoers gave it an 83% positive score and a 75% "definite recommend".[25]

Alonso Duralde of TheWrap gave the film a positive review, calling it "full of warmth and wit" and writing, "Purists may balk about revisiting this tale, but The Grinch earns its laughter and its sentiment, both of which are plentiful. It's a full-throated Fah-Who-Foraze."[32] Owen Gleiberman of Variety compared the film favorably to the 2000 live-action version, writing, "For anyone who grew up with How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Grinch won’t replace it, yet it's nimble and affectionate in a way that can hook today's children, and more than a few adults, by conjuring a feeling that comes close enough. By the end, your own heart will swell, though maybe just one or two sizes."[33]

Glenn Kenny of The New York Times wrote, "Said dog, Max is the most charming character in this version, directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney. The filmmakers keep the visuals merry and popping bright. Benedict Cumberbatch, voicing the Grinch, opts not to compete with Karloff at all, which is smart and speaks in an American accent, sounding rather like Bill Hader, which is confusing. A tepid hip-hop song about the Grinch plays over the end credits. It’s by Tyler, the Creator, who only a few years ago was considered one of the saltiest (to put it mildly) voices in music. Here, his contribution is as toothless as the rest of the movie."[34] Molly Freeman of Screen Rant gave the film a 3 out of 5 stars, saying "The Grinch may not be a necessary holiday movie, but fans of Dr. Seuss's story or holiday films, in general, will find plenty to like in this new animated retelling. Plus, with a variety of family-friendly jokes, The Grinch will no doubt entertain viewers young and old, though the 90-minute runtime does stretch thin in the third act of the movie. It's perhaps not worth seeing in IMAX, but The Grinch does provide some rich visuals that will also capture the eye of all moviegoers. The Grinch is holiday fun for the whole family, adapting a classic story with a new twist that makes for an altogether compelling moviegoing experience."[35]

Sandie Angulo Chen of Common Sense Media gave the film 3/5 and stated, "This adaptation is bright, colorful, and occasionally funny, but it doesn't come close to matching the effectiveness of the short-and-sweet original."[36] Amy West of Empire gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, writing "Despite its story-telling ambition being two sizes too small (much like its hairy protagonist’s heart), The Grinch is impossibly cute, visually rich and boasts enough festive fun to satisfy young viewers."[37]

Accolades[]

List of awards and nominations
Year Award Category Recipient(s) Result Ref(s)
2019 Annie Awards Music in an Animated Feature Production Danny Elfman and Tyler, The Creator Nominated [38]
Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production Habib Louati
Editorial in an Animated Feature Production Chris Cartagena
Art Directors Guild Production Design in an Animated Feature Colin Stimpson [39]
Critics' Choice Awards Best Animated Film Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney Nominated [40]
Producers Guild of America Award Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Picture Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy Nominated [41]
Visual Effects Society Awards Outstanding Visual Effects in an Animated Feature Pierre Leduc, Janet Healy, Bruno Chauffard, Milo Riccarand Nominated [42]
Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature David Galante, Francois Boudaille, Olivier Luffin, Yarrow Cheney for The Grinch Nominated
Outstanding Created Environment in an Animated Feature Loic Rastout, Ludovic Ramiere, Henri Deruer, Nicolas Brack for Whoville Nominated
Outstanding Effects Simulations in an Animated Feature Eric Carme, Nicolas Brice, Milo Riccarand for Snow, Clouds and Smoke Nominated
Movieguide Awards Best Movies for Families The Grinch Won [43]
Epiphany Prize for Most Inspiring Movie Nominated
Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Animated Movie Nominated [44]
Favorite Male Voice from an Animated Movie Benedict Cumberbatch Nominated

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b "Danny Elfman to Score Illumination's 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'". Film Music Reporter. November 20, 2017. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Film releases". Variety Insight. Retrieved June 5, 2017.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "The Grinch". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  4. ^ Cavna, Michael (November 8, 2018). "Do we need another 'Grinch' movie? Some reviews say yes, but others..." The Washington Post. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  5. ^ Audrey Geisel, widow of Dr. Seuss, dead at 97
  6. ^ Kit, Borys (February 7, 2013). "'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' Remake in the Works at Universal". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b Kroll, Justin (April 13, 2016). "Benedict Cumberbatch to Voice the Grinch in 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'". Variety. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  8. ^ Amidi, Amid (March 8, 2018). "Illumination's 'The Grinch': First Trailer And A Late Directorial Shake-Up". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  9. ^ "Benedict Cumberbatch Interview: The Grinch". ScreenRant. November 5, 2018.
  10. ^ Lang, Brent (November 6, 2018). "Inside Illumination's Plans for Animated 'Super Mario Bros.' Movie". Variety. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b c Fleming, Mike Jr. (September 18, 2018). "Pharrell Williams Joins Illumination's Animated Dr. Seuss' 'The Grinch' As Narrator". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  12. ^ Sarto, Dan (November 17, 2018). "Illumination Warms Up the Holidays with 'The Grinch'". Animation World Network.
  13. ^ Jump up to: a b Moltenbrey, Karen (December 13, 2018). "Spoiler Alert". In Focus. Computer Graphics World.
  14. ^ "'Dr. Seuss' The Grinch' Score Album Details - Film Music Reporter".
  15. ^ McClintock, Pamela (January 15, 2014). "Universal Dates 'Despicable Me 3,' New 'Grinch Who Stole Christmas'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 16, 2014.
  16. ^ Kroll, Justin (June 7, 2016). "Illumination's 'The Grinch' Pushed Back to 2018". Variety. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
  17. ^ "The Grinch Movie's Billboards Have Incredibly Mean Messages". October 29, 2018.
  18. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 7, 2018). "'The Grinch' Global Promo Campaign Grows Several Sizes From First Movie, To $80M". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  19. ^ Jump up to: a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (March 26, 2019). "How Much Green Did 'The Grinch' Steal? No. 9 In Deadline's 2018 Most Valuable Blockbuster Tournament". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  20. ^ Jessie Quinn (November 21, 2018). "2018 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Guide". Showbiz Cheatsheet. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
  21. ^ "Watch the 2018 NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47 Holiday Sing-Along". NBC New York. December 6, 2018. Retrieved May 26, 2019 – via YouTube.
  22. ^ "Dr. Seuss' 'The Grinch' Coming to Blu-Ray and DVD". Animation World Network. January 3, 2019. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  23. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (November 6, 2018). "'The Grinch' to Steal Box Office Crown With $55 Million-Plus Debut". Variety. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  24. ^ McClintock, Pamela (November 8, 2018). "Box-Office Preview: 'The Grinch' to See Green With $55M-$60M U.S. Bow". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  25. ^ Jump up to: a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 11, 2018). "'The Grinch' Who Stole Business: Dr. Seuss Pic Opening To $66M As 'Overlord' & 'Spider's Web' Wither – Sunday Update". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  26. ^ Gallagher, Brian (November 12, 2018). "BREAKING DOWN THE GRINCH'S BOX OFFICE DEBUT AGAINST THE FILMS OF ILLUMINATION ENTERTAINMENT". IGN. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
  27. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 18, 2018). "'Crimes Of Grindelwald' Falls Short Stateside With $62M+ Debut, WB Celebrates Global Win As 'Fantastic Beasts' Series Hits $1B-Plus". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
  28. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 25, 2018). "'Ralph' Scoring 2nd Best Thanksgiving Debut With $84M+; 'Creed II' $55M+ Live-Action Champ; 'Robin Hood' Goes Wrong At $14M+". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  29. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 9, 2018). "Will 'The Grinch' Steal No. 1 Away From 'Ralph'? Both Animated Pics Eye $15M+ During Slow Pre-Christmas Period". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  30. ^ "The Grinch (2018)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  31. ^ "The Grinch Reviews". Metacritic. Red Ventures. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  32. ^ Duralde, Alonso (November 7, 2018). "'Dr. Seuss' The Grinch' Film Review: Benedict Cumberbatch Helps Make Third Time Charming". The Wrap. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  33. ^ Gleiberman, Owen (November 7, 2018). "Film Review: 'Dr. Seuss' The Grinch'". Variety. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  34. ^ Kenny, Glenn (November 7, 2018). "'Dr. Seuss' The Grinch' Review: Pointy-Headed and Pointless". The New York Times. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  35. ^ Freeman, Molly (November 9, 2018). "The Grinch Movie Review". Screen Rant. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  36. ^ "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Movie Review". Common Sense Media. October 5, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  37. ^ West, Amy. "The Grinch (2018) Review". Empire. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  38. ^ "46th Annie Awards" (Press release). Annie Awards. December 3, 2018. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
  39. ^ "Winners & Nominees". ADG. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
  40. ^ Hammond, Pete (December 10, 2018). "Critics' Choice Awards Nominations: 'The Favourite' Tops With 14, 'Black Panther' A Marvel, 'First Man' Rebounds; 'The Americans' Leads TV Series". Deadline. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  41. ^ Nolfi, Joey (January 4, 2019). "A Star Is Born, Black Panther, more gain Oscar momentum with Producers Guild nominations". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  42. ^ Tapley, Kristopher (January 15, 2019). "'Avengers,' 'Lost in Space,' 'Ready Player One' Lead Visual Effects Society Nominations".
  43. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (January 9, 2019). "Best Movies for Families - Movieguide Awards: 'Mary Poppins Returns,' 'Spider-Verse' Among Nominees (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  44. ^ Howard, Annie (February 26, 2019). "Kids' Choice Awards: 'Avengers: Infinity War' Tops Nominees; Dj Khaled to Host". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 27, 2019.

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