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Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
By Heather Boerner,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Heartwarming TV special is true to Seuss' classic book.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Community Reviews
Based on 26 parent reviews
Showcases a bully. Contains animal cruelty.
What's the Story?
In DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, 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 this classic animated special. This retelling of the beloved Theodore Geisel book, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas 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!"
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the message Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas delivers about the true meaning of Christmas. Would you enjoy Christmas as much without presents? How do you make Christmas special?
How does the Grinch change over the course of the story? Can people learn to be good?
How do the characters in How the Grinch Stole Christmas demonstrate gratitude and humility? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 18, 1966
- On DVD or streaming: 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
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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