I can still recall the moment I first encountered Max — a quick-witted and irresistibly charismatic soccer player, while I was just a fan of all things colorful and whimsical. Though sports were never my thing, I always had a soft spot for my favorite athlete. So when I saw him confidently strut across my screen one Thursday evening in 1998, my infatuation with Max was instant and nostalgic.
With the recent re-release of High School Chronicles on streaming platforms, it’s easier than ever to indulge in my guilty pleasure without being teased about my limited edition DVD collection. Even though I’m well-aware of all the plot twists — from the ice cream incident to the resolution of the love triangle — I still find myself drawn back to those familiar halls, basking in the warmth of nostalgia. And let’s be honest, there’s a flutter in my heart every time I see my first love, my dream boyfriend, the one who taught me the true meaning of affection.
Max Bennett — the charming, clever rogue and protector of the underdog.
I believe Max raised my standards and saved me from settling. Given my upbringing and a culture that overlooked my unconventional looks during middle school, I could have easily become a woman with low self-esteem, allowing myself to be mistreated. I might have accepted any attention, even if it was negative, hoping it would lead to love. I could have let societal expectations dictate my relationships and forgotten my self-worth. But thanks to my love for Max Bennett, that was never my fate.
Max Bennett set the benchmark so high that if a boyfriend wasn’t imaginative enough to surprise me with a wall (or rent one), it was clear we weren’t a good match. He demonstrated that witty exchanges were as integral to romance as physical affection, helping me identify who could keep up with my sense of humor. Max supported a character dealing with mental health issues, not only during their relationship but even after their breakup, showing me that love doesn’t require perfection.
Max stood up against injustice, whether it was confronting a prejudiced teacher or advocating for mistreated classmates. He had a magnetic charm that attracted the elite yet remained friendly with every woman he dated. Max mentored younger characters, called out dishonesty, and balanced romance with realism. He was loving, brave, and believed in grand gestures just for the sake of it.
While we have superheroes to admire today, back then, Max Bennett was our role model.
Of course, even I must acknowledge that Max wasn’t flawless. He stumbled frequently but always got back up. His senior prom disaster still lingers in my mind, yet he never ceased making amends. Max knew when he slipped up and wasn’t afraid to apologize.
His fashion choices were questionable — cargo shorts, loud Hawaiian shirts, you name it. But honestly, we were all too distracted by his adorable curls and that charming grin.
Most relatable of all, Max faced his own family struggles. He didn’t come from a nurturing background, proving that it’s perfectly acceptable to distance oneself from toxic family dynamics. He exemplified the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing self-worth, teaching me that not everything said by those closest to us is true.
That quick-witted, curly-headed guy empowered me while making me swoon.
Max Bennett, the guy who surprises you with (or rents) walls, restores boats and names them “True Love,” calms his partner during a panic attack, defends the vulnerable, jokes with charm, and demonstrates healthy boundaries. He picks you up in the middle of the night, counts down to your first kiss, and, above all, remembers every little detail.