How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Director Ron Howard paints Jim Carrey green and pretty much turns him loose on the set in this live-action, eye-popping Dr. Seuss adaptation--and while that might sound like the recipe for an egomaniacal disaster, Carrey's very in-character antics are exactly what keep the film moving forward despite being bogged down with superfluous plot points to pad the run time (seriously, do we really need motivational flashbacks of the mean one's unhappy childhood?). An event-movie-sized cornucopia of mixed blessings, the film has its burdensome share of vexatious cringes, but soon after any transgression, there's Jim Carrey, looking and acting so delectably, delightfully Grinchy (kudos to makeup man Rick Baker) that his teeth-gritting, mock-malevolent smile becomes positively contagious. This Hollywoodized rendition cannot compare to the beloved cartoon or the good Dr.'s original book, but Seussian spirit is in ample supply. Recommended. [Note: the DVD has a Christmas stocking's worth of extras, including 5 featurettes (on building Whoville, make-up, etc.), a gag reel (disappointingly bland), deleted scenes, sing-alongs and a read-alongs for kids, a Faith Hill music video and--yum--Wholiday recipes.] (R. Blackwelder)[Blu-ray Review—Oct. 13, 2009—Universal, 2 discs, 105 min., PG, $29.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 2000's How the Grinch Stole Christmas boasts a great transfer and a DTS-HD soundtrack. Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Ron Howard, deleted scenes (10 min.), a visual effects featurette (11 min.), a location featurette (7 min.), a “Makeup Application and Design” featurette (7 min.), a “Who School” featurette (6 min.), a “Seussian Set Decoration” featurette (5 min.), outtakes (3 min.), the music video “Where Are You Christmas?” performed by Faith Hill, the BD-Live function, and trailers. Also included is a bonus DVD copy of the film. Bottom line: Green looks great in Blu for this winning contemporary holiday flick.]