Fantastic sets, colorful costumes, and Jim Carrey’s performance of a lifetime bring How the Grinch Stole Christmas magically to life on film. Director Ron Howard’s movie version of the popular Dr. Seuss classic creates a world of wonder and enchantment for kids of all ages. I found myself captivated by everything about it.

First, there’s Carrey’s astounding interpretation of the Grinch. From his gruff voice and hairy green appearance to his wild physical antics and impossible grumpy attitude, Carrey simply is this incredible creature. I completely forgot Ace Ventura, Andy Kaufman, and Carrey’s hilarious In Living Color personas while watching him in this film. From now on, I will remember the comic actor primarily for his Grinchiness.

Carrey’s impeccable timing turns the simple task of checking a schedule into one of the movie’s most amusing highlights. When the Grinch wonders if he’s available for a Whoville event, he points a long green finger at his calendar and says, "Well, let’s see. At 7 p.m, I wallow in self-pity. At 8 o’clock, I gaze into the abyss, and at 9 o’clock I solve world hunger (but don’t tell anyone about it.)" Could anyone deliver such lines with the same silly sarcasm as Carrey? I don’t think so.

Next, almost stealing a scene or two from Carrey are a wonder dog named Kelly and an appealing newcomer, Taylor Momsen. Kelly, a mutt with a bit of terrier, plays Max, the Grinch’s only companion in his hermit’s cave. Discovered in a dog shelter, this particular canine was cast because she reminded Howard (Ransom)of the animal in Chuck Jones’ cartoon version of The Grinch. What a great casting decision! The photogenic Kelly looks so pathetic when the Grinch tries to turn Max into Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and then forces the loyal mutt to drag a huge sleigh up a steep, snowy hill.

Momsen portrays Cindy Lou Who, a little girl who befriends the Grinch. Although barely hinted at in the original story, this character is extremely important in the movie. Cindy moves the story forward by her faith in the Grinch’s innate goodness --- which ultimately changes his nasty attitude and behavior. With her wide eyes and angelic face, Momsen projects innocence and honesty in this key role. And she’s so darn cute! Her hairdos fascinated me, especially the one containing a cup of eggnog and a candy cane. She also has the sweetest laugh since Shirley Temple.

The whimsical village of Whoville is another treat contained in The Grinch . Even though Whoville is depicted as a series of haystack houses in the original book, production designer Michael Corenblith, believed Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss) loved medieval architecture. Therefore, he used archways, bridges, stairs and spirals throughout the set, anchoring the gigantic Christmas tree in the middle of the town square.

Finally, an excellent supporting cast adds to the pleasure of seeing this wonderful film. Although not easy to recognize because of Rick Baker’s make-up artistry, Bill Irwin (Mr. Noodle on Sesame Street) and Molly Shannon (Superstar) appear well-matched as Cindy Lou’s caring parents. Jeffrey Tambor (The Larry Sanders Show) makes a perfect snobbish mayor, Christine Baranski (Bowfinger) unleashes her sophisticated charm as the Grinch’s love interest, and Sir Anthony Hopkins (Hannibal) provides a spirited narration of this well-loved holiday fable.

Like all fables, this one emphasizes an important lesson. After his attempt to deprive Whoville of its eagerly-awaited Christmas backfires, a reformed Grinch expresses that lesson best by saying, "Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store --- maybe it’s truly a little bit more."

(This Universal Pictures release is rated "PG" for brief crude humor.)