I am a nervous nelly. I don’t like anything scary; I don’t enjoy edgy, thrilling movies. My cinematic preferences lean towards the feel-good-unicorn-bubble-gum-happy-all-is-right-with-the-world end of the spectrum. I didn’t used to be like this; my tolerance for anything scary, violent, gross, or sad disappeared the moment I became a mom. I want movies to entertain me and offer an escape to a cotton-candy-infused-fairy-land. I’ve got the world news to scare the pants off me any time I feel I’m lacking a thrilling component in my life.
I grew up watching the animated 30 minute Grinch movie. It was actually the first movie I ever showed my kids. Over the holiday season, our family joined up with friends and 4 parents and 5 kids thoroughly enjoyed The Grinch voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. And when I say enjoyed, I mean LOVED. Loved so much I actually debated writing a thank you letter to the production studio (but then figured that was a truly silly idea and kept my effusive words to myself).
There are two main reasons why Universal Studio’s production of The Grinch has become my all-time favourite version of the story. First, the Grinch’s grinch-iness is explained. The green grump has a back story; he became an empathetic character, finally! Second, there was nothing scary in the movie. I don’t know why production companies feel the need to add a scary, traumatizing, devastating, creepy element to an otherwise lovely kids’ movie. I anxiously waited for that moment through the entire Grinch, and it never arrived. It was a truly heart-warming tale, with scads of entertainment, appropriate for all ages.
In case you missed seeing the movie, or didn’t see a trailer, here’s the 411 on this amazing flick. From illumination and Universal Pictures Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch stars Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch as the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpit with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. The incredible voice cast includes Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson Cameron Seely and featuring legendary actress Angela Lansbury. Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch is a perfect night in for the whole family.
And, because we LOVE The Grinch so much, we are super excited to be offering one of the Family Fun Vancouver readers the chance to win their own copy of the DVD plus 2 adorable Grinch beanies! The digital version of the movie is available now and the DVD copy comes out on February 5th. Use the contest widget below to enter and good luck.