Pretty much, if you're a fan of Dr. Seuss's original story, you'll be a fan of this, as it is simply a reading of the beloved Christmas story about the "Mean One," presenting the original artwork by Dr. Seuss himself, straight from the book. Walter Matthau's narration doesn't make us forget about Boris Karloff, but he does a job that isn't anything to be ashamed of. His narration brings to mind that of a grandfather reading to some grandchildren, so that in itself will evoke some good, fire-time Christmas memories for most viewers.
In any case, it is light-years beyond the Ron Howard/Jim Carrey collaboration, and it shows just how brilliant and lyrical Suess's original work is, and how it needs no tinkering.
***1/2 out of **** (Just for the record, Karloff's version gets ****, and Carrey's gets 1/2)
In any case, it is light-years beyond the Ron Howard/Jim Carrey collaboration, and it shows just how brilliant and lyrical Suess's original work is, and how it needs no tinkering.
***1/2 out of **** (Just for the record, Karloff's version gets ****, and Carrey's gets 1/2)
