Many times when a movie is remade I think, how are you possibly going to top the previous one?

I was extra eager and a tad bit skeptical when I heard another version of The Grinch cartoon was in the works. To be honest, I strongly dislike the original cartoon (call me crazy, I know). The Jim Carrey version, now that is one of my top favorite Christmas movies. No joke, I probably watch it at least twenty times during November and December leading up to Christmas.  My brother and I went to see the new version from the creators of Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets, I was curious, “how will this play out?” Here’s one of the official trailers if you have yet to see it…

As the movie began, I couldn’t help but internally hear, “Inside a snowflake, like the one on your sleeve there happened story you must see to believe.”  Rather than listening to that familiar phrase, a new quote started off the movie coming from Pharrell Williams’ narration.  I think one of the hardest things for me when watching the remake was blocking out preconceptions and previous idealizations of the film itself in comparing it to other versions.  Once I got past that thought process, I thoroughly enjoyed it!  Without giving too much away, I will say I liked the new story line to modernize the family aspects of the movie and help to set it a part from previous Grinch movies.  Cindy Lou and her friends are quite adorable and the animations are amazing to say the least.

Nonetheless, I felt like I was I was cheating on the Jim Carrey version.  As an adult, I strongly feel as this remake is certainly geared more at a upbeat, positive youthful audience in an effort to make The Grinch appear less scary to children.  Keeping that notion in mind, the movie was great and indefinitely portrays the underlying, ‘Christmas isn’t about gift giving’ sentiment very much alive while showcasing a fun, lighthearted demeanor.  I would give the movie an all-around eight and say if you have a kiddo in your life, I would highly recommend taking them to see it!  If you need me, I’ll be curled up in my Grinch pajamas watching the Jim Carrey version at home!The Grinch themed items for your bedroom:

• Grinch Heathered Quilted Sham from Pottery Barn, $179
• Pottery Barn Grinch Festive Flannel Sheet Set, $32-$119

• Dr. Seuss The Grinch Throw Blanket 50″ by 60″ from Target, $24.99
• Dr. Seuss Grinch Full 4 piece 100% Cotton Flannel Sheet Set from Target, $29.99

Grinch Items for your home:

• Christmas Grinch Door Hanger, Nativity Scene from Etsy, $55
• Cindy Lou Who, Grinch welcome garden flag (outdoor decor), $20

• The Grinch Pillow Covers, Grinch Face from Pottery Barn Teen, $39.50 (I own this and love it!)
• Trend Lab Dr. Seuess The Grinch Wall Clock from Kohl’s, $39.99
• Grinch Sequin Stocking from Pottery Barn Teen, $29.50 (they have Cindy Lou and Max ones to choose from as well!)

Gifts for the Grinch fan in your life:

• This Is Me Being Jolly Grinch Pajamas from Kohl’s, $26.99 (Originally $46!)
• Drink Up Grinches Hand Painted Wine Glass from Pier 1, $9.99
• Dr. Seuss Grinch Quote Tervis Tumbler with Lid, $21.99
• Grinch Inspired Stemless Wine Glasses from Etsy, $10.00+

Grinch Clothing, add some Whoville to your closet:

• The Grinch Flannel Pajamas from PB Teen, $69 (similar, updated style to the ones I own)
• The Grinch Christmas Raglan Graphic Tee, “Eat, Sleep, Steal Christmas” from Kohl’s, $18.00
• Men’s “Merry Whatever” Grinch Microfiber, Fleece Pajamas from Kohl’s, $29.99
• Women’s Grinch Face Slipper Socks from Target, $12.00
• “In A World Full of Grinches, be a Cindy Lou” Baseball T-Shirt from Etsy, $23.99

Kohl’s also has a number of toddler, baby, and child shirts, pants and pajamas to choose from if you’re attempting to find something for the kiddo on your list!