“The Peanuts Movie” is a delightful and charming film that the whole family can enjoy. It is clever, funny, and remains true to the original characters created by the late Charles Schulz. Right from the start, when Schroeder plays the 20th Century Fox fanfare on his piano, you know you are in for a good time. The movie is a nice balance of new scenes and old familiar ones. Charlie Brown still has problems flying that kite, and Snoopy still takes on the Red Baron as he flies atop his dog house. A few nice surprises include finally seeing a clean Pigpen (just for a moment) and a delightful conclusion involving that “little red-haired girl.”
The film opens with the kids enjoying a winter wonderland and skating on the ice. Soon afterward, they see the little red-haired girl move in and Linus says he hopes “she is open-minded about the Great Pumpkin.” Charlie Brown falls head-over-heels in love with her when she enters the classroom and sets out to impress her. He makes some strides, but then life always seems to come crashing down on him. For example, when he chooses a book to read for a report, he goes in search of “Leo’s Toy Store” by Warren Peace, but finds it is really “Leo Tolstoy” and “War and Peace!” Lucy shows Charlie Brown a mirror and declares that, “This is the face of failure.” But when he gets the credit for something he doesn’t deserve, his honesty about it may be exactly what finally labels Charlie Brown as a “winner” and a nice guy.
Enjoy the slapstick moments, the humor, and those lovable characters. We are happy to award this movie our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal for all ages. Don’t be a blockhead — See “The Peanuts Movie” soon!
