1. The Grinch is much more empathetic this time around.
While we're still loyal to the Jim Carrey version, it's hard to deny that the Grinch was downright verbally abusive to Max and Cindy Lou at times. Although smaller viewers still very much get the idea that the Grinch is a grumpy old loner in the latest movie, Benedict Cumberbatch is a lot less nasty.
In fact, there are a few instances — like when he tells Max he couldn't have asked for a better dog midway through — that are downright sweet. Overall, the toned-down language makes the Grinch a heck of a lot more likable from the get-go and a lot easier for kids to watch.
2. The movie showcases tons of different families.
Far and away one of the biggest differences between the new movie and its predecessors is there's actually diversity. As soon as the camera pans down to a shot of Whoville, viewers get a glimpse of all the town's residents, and thankfully not all of them all white. In one particular shot of the downtown, you can spy a few mixed-race families milling around in the city centre, and that's the type of attention to detail we love to see.
Another huge pro? Cindy Lou's mom, Donna Lou Who — who's voiced by Rashida Jones — is a single mom working several jobs and juggling three kids (including twins!) while working the night shift. How's that for relatable?