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The Grinch (film)

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This article is about the 2018 animated film. For the 2000 live-action film, see How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000 film).
The Grinch
Theatrical release poster
Directed by
Screenplay by
Produced by
Starring
Narrated byPharrell Williams
Edited byChris Cartagena
Music byDanny Elfman[1]
Distributed byUniversal Pictures[2]
Release dates
Running time
86 minutes[3]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$75 million[4][5]
Box office$432.3 million[6]

The Grinch (also known as Dr. Seuss' The Grinch) is a 2018 American 3D computer-animated Christmas comedy film produced by Illumination. Based on the 1957 Dr. Seuss book How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, it is the third screen adaptation of the story, following the television special from 1966 and the live-action feature-length film from 2000. It marks Illumination's second Dr. Seuss film adaptation, following The Lorax (2012). The film is directed by Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier, and written by Michael LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow. It stars the voices of Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Cameron Seely, and Angela Lansbury, and is narrated by Pharrell Williams. The plot follows the Grinch as he plans to ruin Whoville's Christmas celebration by stealing all the town's decorations and gifts.

The Grinch was released by Universal Pictures in the United States on November 9, 2018, in RealD 3D and select IMAX theaters. It has grossed over $432 million worldwide, becoming the second highest-grossing holiday film of all time behind Home Alone (1990). It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the animation but said the film added little to nothing new to the source material.[7] It is the final adaptation released during the life of Seuss's widow Audrey Geisel, who served as executive producer of the film and died in December 2018.[8]

Plot

In the town of Whoville, human-like creatures called Whos are filled with excitement about celebrating Christmas. The only one who isn't amused is a cantankerous, green furred creature called The Grinch, who has a heart "two sizes too small" and lives as a hermit in a cave on the top of Mount Crumpit just north of Whoville. The Grinch has a pet dog named Max, and they both only visit Whoville when the Grinch needs to buy food and do bad things.

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. At first, she decides to send a letter to Santa Claus to help her mother, but after encountering the Grinch, who sarcastically says that she'll have to talk to Santa face-to-face about it, she eventually decides to try and trap Santa with the help of her friends.

With Christmas approaching, all the Whoville festivities give the Grinch a flashback, recalling his disjointing childhood spent mostly alone and unwanted in an orphanage. The Grinch soon decides that he will steal Christmas from Whoville to assuage his distress. He acquires a fat reindeer whom he calls Fred to help him pull a sleigh that he stole from Mr. Bricklebaum. After a test run, the Grinch discovers that Fred has a mate and child. With a heavy heart, he lets Fred go back to them.

On Christmas Eve, after making a Santa Claus disguise and 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 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 bitter heart. Nevertheless, the Grinch carries on with his scheme.

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 to see that the presents and decorations are gone. At first, Cindy believes that she's to blame, because she 'trapped' Santa, but Donna tells her that Christmas is more than just about presents, and that Cindy's the best thing that ever happened to her. The Whos join together to sing.

The Grinch and Max hear the singing, rendering the Grinch puzzled to see that they are celebrating Christmas despite his scheme. After heeding Cindy's advice and immersing himself to their singing, his small heart triples in size, causing him to double over in breathless joy and wonder. The sleigh falls off Mount Crumpit, and the Grinch tries to save it. In the nick of time, Fred and his family come to his aid. After securing the sleigh, the Grinch and Max go to Whoville to return the stolen items. The Grinch admits his crime to the Whos, and apologizes before returning to his cave.

Feeling sorry for the Grinch, Cindy comes to invite him to celebrate Christmas at her house, and he awkwardly attends. When seated down for dinner, he realizes and confesses that it wasn't really Christmas he hated, but being lonely and his bitterness over being neglected. Before carving the roast beef, the Grinch offers a toast, "To kindness and love, the things we need most."

Voice cast

  • Benedict Cumberbatch as The Grinch, a disgruntled, green creature who despises Christmas. The studio 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.
  • Cameron Seely as Cindy Lou Who, a young resident of Whoville.
  • Rashida Jones as Donna Lou Who, Cindy's overworked widowed mother.
  • Kenan Thompson as Bricklebaum, a jolly citizen of Whoville.
  • Angela Lansbury as Mayor McGerkle, the elderly Mayor of Whoville.
  • Tristan O'Hare as Groopert, one of Cindy Lou's friends. In fact, he is her best friend.
  • Ramone Hamilton as Axl, one of Cindy Lou's friends.
  • Sam Lavagnino as Ozzy, one of Cindy Lou's friends.
  • Scarlett Estevez as Izzy, one of Cindy Lou's friends.
  • Pharrell Williams as the Narrator

Production

Development

In February 2013, it was announced that Illumination Entertainment 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.[9] Peter Candeland and Yarrow Cheney were set to direct,[10] though in 2018 producer Scott Mosier took over from Candeland.[11]

Casting

Benedict Cumberbatch was cast as the titular character in April 2016.[10] 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,[12] was revealed to be narrating the film.[13]

Animation

Like almost all of Illumination's films, the animation was created entirely in France by Illumination Mac Guff. The film's animation was made using Autodesk Maya.[citation needed]

Music

Soundtrack

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Soundtrack album by
Various Artists
ReleasedNovember 9, 2018
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

Tyler, the Creator wrote a new song for the film titled "I Am the Grinch".[13] 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,[13] and early on in the film itself.

Track listing
No.TitleArtistsLength
1."You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"Tyler, the Creator1:50
2."I Am the Grinch"Tyler, the Creator2:37
3."Christmas Is"Run-D.M.C.3:19
4."Deck the Halls"Jackie Wilson1:16
5."Run Rudolph Run"The Brian Setzer Orchestra3:29
6."My Favorite Things"The Supremes2:45
7."Zat You Santa Claus?"Buster Poindexter and His Banshees of Blue2:47
8."Christmas in Hollis"Run-D.M.C.2:58
9."Jingle Bells"The Brian Setzer Orchestra2:21
10."The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)"Nat King Cole3:09
11."God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"Pentatonix2:29
12."A Wonderful Awful Idea"Danny Elfman2:53
13."Stealing Christmas"Danny Elfman4:06
Total length:37:00

Score

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

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)

All music is composed by Danny Elfman except where indicated

Track listing
No.TitleLength
1."The Big Opening"2:46
2."Going to Town"1:36
3."Jaunty Kitchen"1:37
4."Mailing a Letter"0:50
5."It's Better This Way"1:29
6."Northward Bound"1:29
7."Christmas in Whoville"4:01
8."Last Lonely Boy"1:52
9."Welcome Song/Forlorn"2:29
10."To the Fort"1:18
11."Dog Tongue"1:23
12."Walking Toward Destiny"2:47
13."The Loudest Snow"2:10
14."Puppy Eyes"1:03
15."Command Center"1:33
16."Grinch's Wild Ride"2:42
17."Kids Can't Sleep"1:33
18."Stealing Christmas"4:04
19."Taking the Bait"1:43
20."It's My Fault"2:19
21."Welcome Christmas" (written by Albert Hague and Ted Geisel)1:38
22."The Apology"1:08
23."First Christmas"0:51
24."The Big Finale"1:56
25."All By Myself" (Bonus track)1:05
Total length:48:00

Hip hop

Main article: Music Inspired by Illumination & Dr. Seuss' The Grinch

Release

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

The first official trailer was released on March 8, 2018.[17] The second trailer was released on June 14, 2018. The third and final trailer was released on September 18, 2018, along with a new poster.[18] Beginning October, various billboards appeared for the film, each featuring an image of the Grinch, accompanied by a mean or ironic quote and message.[19] 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.[20]

Reception

Box office

As of December 28, 2018, The Grinch has grossed $263 million in the United States and Canada, and $169.3 million in other territories, for a total worldwide gross of $432.3 million, against a production budget of $75 million.[6]

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.[21][5] 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.[22][23] In its second weekend the film made $38.2 million, finishing second behind newcomer Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.[24] In its third weekend the film made $30.2 million (including $42 million over the five-day Thanksgiving frame), finishing fourth.[25] 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.[26]

Critical response

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 57% based on 163 reviews, with an average rating of 5.9/10. 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."[27] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 51 out of 100, based on 32 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[28] 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".[22]

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."[29] 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."[30] In a rhyming review for Exclaim, Alex Hudson gave the film 7/10 and wrote, "The original Grinch is a holiday classic / The Jim Carrey remake couldn't capture the magic. / This new one is not as good as the first / But the message is sweet, so it isn't the worst."[31]

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."[32] Molly Freeman of ScreenRant 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."[33]

Johnny Oleksinski of New York Post stated, "This “Grinch” is for snowflakes — and not the speck of ice the tiny town of Whoville is situated on. It's best for kids and adults who just can't handle the angry, diabolical monster of films past."[34] 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."[35] 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."[36]

References

  1. ^ a b "Danny Elfman to Score Illumination's 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'". Film Music Reporter. November 20, 2017. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c "Film releases". Variety Insight. Retrieved June 5, 2017.
  3. ^ "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch". Regal Entertainment Group. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  4. ^ Lang, Brent (November 5, 2018). "How Chris Meledandri Became the Most Powerful Man in Animation". Variety. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  5. ^ a b 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.
  6. ^ a b "The Grinch (2018)". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved December 29, 2018.
  7. ^ Cavna, Michael (November 8, 2018). "Do we need another 'Grinch' movie? Some reviews say yes, but others..." The Washington Post. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  8. ^ Audrey Geisel, widow of Dr. Seuss, dead at 97
  9. ^ Borys Kit (February 7, 2013). "'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' Remake in the Works at Universal". The Hollywood Reporter. Los Angeles, California: Eldridge Industries. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  10. ^ a b Kroll, Justin (April 13, 2016). "Benedict Cumberbatch to Voice the Grinch in 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'". Variety. Los Angeles, California: Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  11. ^ Amid Amidi (March 8, 2018). "Illumination's 'The Grinch': First Trailer And A Late Directorial Shake-Up". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  12. ^ Lang, Brent (6 November 2018). "Inside Illumination's Plans for Animated 'Super Mario Bros.' Movie". Variety. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  13. ^ a b c Fleming, Mike Jr. (September 18, 2018). "Pharrell Williams Joins Illumination's Animated Dr. Seuss' 'The Grinch' As Narrator". Deadline Hollywood. Los Angeles, California: Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  14. ^ "'Dr. Seuss' The Grinch' Score Album Details - Film Music Reporter".
  15. ^ McClintock, Pamela (November 17, 2011). "Universal Dates 'Despicable Me 3,' New 'Grinch Who Stole Christmas'". The Hollywood Reporter. Los Angeles, California: Eldridge Industries. Retrieved January 16, 2014.
  16. ^ Kroll, Justin (June 7, 2016). "Illumination's 'The Grinch' Pushed Back to 2018". Variety. Los Angeles, California: Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
  17. ^ "A New Trailer for 'The Grinch' is Here and It Needs to be Christmas Now". 2018-06-15.
  18. ^ Schaefer, Sandy (September 18, 2018). "The Grinch Final Trailer & Poster: Cumberbatch Steals Christmas". Screen Rant. Montreal, Canada: Valnet, Inc. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  19. ^ "The Grinch Movie's Billboards Have Incredibly Mean Messages". October 29, 2018.
  20. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 7, 2018). "'The Grinch' Global Promo Campaign Grows Several Sizes From First Movie, To $80M". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  21. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (November 6, 2018). "'The Grinch' to Steal Box Office Crown With $55 Million-Plus Debut". Variety. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  22. ^ 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. Penske Business Media. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  23. ^ Gallagher, Brian (November 12, 2018). "BREAKING DOWN THE GRINCH'S BOX OFFICE DEBUT AGAINST THE FILMS OF ILLUMINATION ENTERTAINMENT". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
  24. ^ 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.
  25. ^ 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.
  26. ^ 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.
  27. ^ "The Grinch (2018)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 8, 2018.
  28. ^ "The Grinch reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved December 8, 2018.
  29. ^ Duralde, Alonso (November 7, 2018). "'Dr. Seuss' The Grinch' Film Review: Benedict Cumberbatch Helps Make Third Time Charming". The Wrap. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  30. ^ Gleiberman, Owen (November 7, 2018). "Film Review: 'Dr. Seuss' The Grinch'". Variety. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  31. ^ Hudson, Alex (November 8, 2018). "Film Review: 'The Grinch' Tones Down Meanness for Sentimentality". Exclaim. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  32. ^ Kenny, Glenn (7 November 2018). "'Dr. Seuss' The Grinch' Review: Pointy-Headed and Pointless". The New York Times. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  33. ^ Freeman, Molly (9 November 2018). "The Grinch Movie Review". ScreenRant. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  34. ^ Oleksinski, Johnny (19 November 2018). "This new 'Grinch' is too weak to steal Christmas". New York Post. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  35. ^ "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Movie Review". Common Sense Media. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  36. ^ West, Amy. "The Grinch (2018) Review". Empire. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
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