“The Grinch” doesn’t stray too far from the source material.

The cold-hearted, green-skinned Christmas hater is back in “The Grinch,” yet another version of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic.

It’s an update we didn’t know we needed, but it’s a delightful holiday excursion for the whole family that brings the story to life in its own way without losing the charm of perhaps the most loved version of all – the 1960s TV classic.

Directors Yarrow Cheney (who worked on “The Lorax” and co-directed “The Secret Life of Pets”) and Scott Mosier keep the story quite simple – not straying too far from the source material. The Grinch (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) lives on the outskirts of Whoville, disgusted that the townspeople still happily celebrate Christmas.

When Whoville decides to make its annual celebration the best yet, the Grinch has had enough and concocts a plan to steal Christmas. With the help of his dog Max, the Grinch puts his plan into motion – until he runs into a young girl named Cindy Lou Who, who shows the grumpy green fur ball the true meaning of Christmas.

From the TV special to the Jim Carrey/Ron Howard live-action version, this story has played out so much that it’s really surprising that anyone felt the need to rehash it again. Yet “The Grinch” manages to make the material feel fresh with a beautifully animated film that really captures the storybook feel of Whoville and the empty caverns of the Grinch’s remote cave high above the town.

Michael LeSieur’s screenplay provides plenty of humor for all ages and effectively balances the Grinch’s story with Cindy Lou Who’s subplot – never crossing into the overly sentimental area it could have easily veered into.

Cumberbatch brings a nice menace to the Grinch, showing a guy that may seem mean on the outside but is rather sensitive underneath the surly facade. The rest of the voice cast is solid as well, notably Kenan Thompson as one of Whoville’s jolliest residents – who thinks he is good friends with the Grinch when the Grinch thinks otherwise.

“The Grinch” moves along at a nice clip in a brisk 90 minutes. The TV special may have covered the material in 1/4 the amount of time, but this theatrical version makes the most of its added run time by expanding the world in ways we haven’t seen. Like Illumination’s previous foray into the world of Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax,” this film balances the charm of the story with a sprinkle of new wrinkles – creating a vision that should warm even the coldest of hearts.

It may not be up to the level of the beloved TV version, but this “Grinch” will do just fine and gives families another option in theaters this holiday season.

– To get Micheal Compton’s reviews of “Boy Erased,” “Beautiful Boy,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” visit his blog at bgdaily news.com/blogs/reel_to_reel or follow him on Twitter @mcompton428. Email him at mcompton@bgdailynews.com.

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kenan Thompson (voices)

Directed by: Yarrow Chaney, Scott Mosier

Rating: PG for brief rude humor

Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas

Grade: B