The Grinch

Benedict Cumberbatch voices the curmudgeon who steals Christmas in this computer-animated take on the Dr Seuss classic. Hints of the Despicable Me films are present here as the Grinch falls foul of a lot of slapstick and gadget-based mishaps. Aside from the elaborate action sequences, the story is quite simple and true to the spirit of the source material. It's at its best when Cumberbatch's exasperated Grinch is going back and forth between his cave on Mount Crumpet and Whoville with his canine companion Max, or a hefty reindeer. His voice gives the character a cartoon villainy that's just right for younger viewers - mean, but not scary. Elsewhere, wide-eyed Cindy Lou Who (Cameron Seely) is the adorable heart of the film, and the embodiment of Christmas cheer. While there isn't much new added to the formula, The Grinch is a sentimental update of a well-known story that leaves a warm glow and is sure to make families happy during the festive season.