On November 9, 2018, another version of The Grinch came out in theaters. Although this version of The Grinch does not have Jim Carrey, it was still as heartwarming as ever. The new Grinch gives viewers more of the heartfelt story like the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. Don’t get me wrong, I love Jim Carrey, but Benedict Cumberbatch did an excellent job portraying the Grinch in this movie.

Music is also a big part of this film. At the beginning of the movie, Pharrell Williams sings the opening song. Later on during one of the opening scenes, Pentatonix made their Grinch debut when they were pestering the Grinch while he was on his way to get food in town with his trusty sidekick, Max. I have never seen a better animated dog. He was the Grinch’s companion throughout the whole show. He also was a trusting “reindeer” to guide the Grinch’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. We are also introduced to more animals throughout the movie. A reindeer family saved the Grinch and the stuff he stole on Christmas Eve night during the movie as well.

Another important character to the movie was Cindy Lou Hoo. She understood the real meaning of Christmas, even at such a young age. It just melted my heart when she was on a mission to trap Santa just to tell him about her mother. If Cindy Lou didn’t trap “Santa” or the Grinch on Christmas Eve, then the Grinch’s heart wouldn’t have grown three times its size. Cindy Lou is the real star of the show, if you ask me. She told the Grinch to close his eyes during the Hoo song on Christmas morning when the Hoos realized everything that they had prepared for was gone. After that, the Grinch finally understood the real meaning behind Christmas.

When Cindy Lou arrived at the Grinch’s home that afternoon, I had tears swelling up in my eyes. Cindy Lou wanted the Grinch to experience a true Christmas and not a blue Christmas. That is the real meaning of Christmas: to be with the ones you love and care about. Cindy Lou did just that when she asked the Grinch to dinner that night.

I also loved that during Christmas dinner the Grinch did everything in his power to help Cindy Lou’s mother out. He remembered what Cindy Lou told him the night before about her wish for her mother. That act of kindness showed the Grinch’s true character and the true magic of Christmas.

I would highly recommend the new How the Grinch Stole Christmas movie. It brings the true meaning of Christmas to life and is enjoyable for all ages.