In 2018, audiences were given a new take on The Grinch’s story, and that also meant we got to see even more of Max, his canine sidekick. And with this Max, we get the real hero of the film.
We have long known that dogs are the best of friends. And in Dr. Seuss’ classic story, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, it was always Max, the canine sidekick, that we were in love with.
Not only has Max always been the best of boys, but he can be sassy when needed and helpful at other times. But no matter what, he has always stood by the Grinch. Even when his owner was doing the wrong thing, Max was always there for him.
And in 2018’s The Grinch, we got to see even more of Max and his good boy status. In fact, I would have to say this is my favorite take on the character ever. Not only was he too cute for words in this animated remake, but he was much more paws on when it came to being the Grinch’s sidekick.
Seriously, this dog knows how to make a perfect cup of coffee (even if his owner can’t appreciate it), and I know our dogs can’t do that. Plus, he had no problem teaching puppy eyes to a reindeer, and he was even musically inclined.
This remake also did one thing that we think previous takes on the story didn’t (or at least didn’t go deeper with) – they made Max a hero. Max helps convince the Grinch to do the right thing not only for all the people in Whoville, but also with Fred the Reindeer. And by always standing at his owner’s side, it is his friendship that keeps the Grinch from becoming a bad guy completely.
Plus, there are a number of moments between Max and the Grinch that cement the idea that a dog is a man’s best friend. And at the same time, these moments also make it clear that even with a heart said to be “two sizes too small,” the Grinch can still exhibit empathy and love for at least one other living creature.
Maybe it is my love of dogs, but I think Max is the true hero of The Grinch. And with how adorable he is, it just kind of makes him one of our favorite animated pups from the big screen.
And now that I have explained why I think Max is the real hero of this movie, I think it is time to go rewatch the movie with a cup of hot chocolate and my own pups at my side.
Are you a fan of Max? Do you think he is a hero in this movie? Which character is your favorite in the movie? Tell us what you think in the comments.