What is the critical reception of the grinch franchise films?
Quick Answer
The 2018 animated film The Grinch received generally positive critical reception, earning a 76% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes with critics praising Benedict Cumberbatch's voice performance and the film's humor while noting it as a solid but not groundbreaking addition to the franchise.
Explanation
The 2018 animated film The Grinch received generally positive critical reception from film critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 76% approval rating based on critic reviews, with an average rating of 6.4/10. The site's consensus states that 'Cumberbatch's voice work and the film's humor make for a more heartwarming experience than the 2000 live-action version.' Metacritic assigned the film a score of 64 out of 100, indicating 'generally favorable reviews.' Audience scores were notably higher, with CinemaScore giving the film an 'A-' grade, indicating strong audience approval during its theatrical run. The film was produced by Illumination Entertainment and directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney. It served as the third major cinematic adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic book How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, following the 1966 television special and the 2000 live-action film starring Jim Carrey. Critics praised Benedict Cumberbatch's performance as the voice of the Grinch, with many noting his ability to balance the character's mischievous and sympathetic qualities. The animation quality and visual style were also generally well-received, as were the updated musical numbers. However, some critics felt the film was competent but not particularly innovative within the crowded animated Christmas film market. The film went on to gross over $500 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films of 2018.