Nasty old killjoy the Grinch (superbly voiced with deliciously oily aplomb by Hans Conried, who also does the charming narration) plans to pay the Whos in Whoville a decidedly unpleasant visit during a fierce wind storm. It's up to brave little Who Eukariah (an endearing sweet voice by Gary Shapiro) to stop the no-good Grinch. This typically offbeat and imaginative tale by Dr. Seuss not only offers the expected oddball creatures, catchy and witty songs, and trademark wacky rhymes, but also a spot-on central message about one can only effectively surmount fear by facing it head on. The Grinch makes for a delightfully sour and glowering buzz-crusher villain while Eukariah is a likable protagonist. The sequence in which a creepy array of spooky ghosts and grotesque ghouls try to scare Eukariah is wonderfully trippy and macabre. Henry Gibson as the voice of the Grinch's hapless browbeaten dog Max sings a hauntingly sad song. The animation is extremely vivid, colorful, and creative. Joe Raposo's infectiously jaunty score further enhances the enjoyably kooky merriment. A pleasingly quirky romp.
Review of Halloween Is Grinch Night
Halloween Is Grinch Night
(1977 TV Movie)
A very fun 70's TV special
31 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers