Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
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THE HUNDRED ACRE WOOD — In a summer full of superheroes, giant sharks, elaborate heists and impossible missions, we are due for a feel-good family film, and I’m so happy we have Pooh Bear.
“Christopher Robin” takes the beloved characters of Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Owl, Rabbit, Eeyore, Kanga and Roo and looks at what happened to them after their favorite little boy, Christopher Robin, grows up and moves on. The movie is equal parts touching and funny and has layers of beauty and intrigue that makes it one of my favorite family films in a while, at least since “Incredibles 2.”
Here are some things you should know about the delightful “Christopher Robin.”
It’s funny
I knew I would have some chuckles here and there, but I was surprised by how funny I found the film. Winnie the Pooh is laugh-out-loud funny, and Eeyore should start doing self-deprecating stand-up comedy.
The movie isn’t a laugh-a-minute affair, but it does have some sincerely funny moments with loads of quotable Pooh Bear lines.
It’s touching
My guess is you could have guessed this by the previews, but there are a fair amount of moments that will have you wondering what that salty discharge from your eyes is.
This is not a coming-of-age story, but rather a retreating-from-adulthood story. Watching Christopher’s journey from childhood to adulthood and then complacency to a loss of self and then a journey to find that self is a really fantastic and touching journey to watch.
Ewan McGregor plays the part of an adult Robin brilliantly. You can see the childlike wonder behind his eyes, but it’s buried by responsibility, stress and the reality of being a grown up.
I was wiping my eyes from joy, hurt and feeling things a little too close to home on multiple occasions.
It’s beautiful
Marc Forster directed “Christopher Robin,” but you may remember him from other genre films like the James Bond flick “Quantum of Solace” and the Brad Pitt action/horror film “World War Z.” Here Forster uses his vast experience to create stunning visuals that oftentimes look more like a painting than a movie.
The moments when we are in the Hundred Acre Wood are exceptional and will make you want to pause the movie and take in the surroundings. You can almost smell the honeysuckle and feel the cool breeze every time we walk into the woods, and it makes us never want to leave.
Conclusion
There is nothing offensive in the film and, while it’s rated PG, it could have been G in my opinion. It’s very tame in regards to scary images, language or violence. But just because it’s kid-friendly doesn’t necessarily mean kids are going to like it.
Overall I think this is a great family film and I will watch it with my kids, but some of your younger ones may get a little bored at times. While I was entertained and entranced in the story from start to finish there are some slower more dramatic moments that may lose some younger audiences. But I think I’d say you’re good to take your kids and they’ll probably have a good time.
“Christopher Robin” is exactly the feel-good family movie I needed right now and makes for a family film that is poignant, touching, beautiful and funny.
“Christopher Robin” is rated PG for some action.
It’s beautiful
Marc Forster directed “Christopher Robin,” but you may remember him from other genre films like the James Bond flick “Quantum of Solace” and the Brad Pitt action/horror film “World War Z.” Here Forster uses his vast experience to create stunning visuals that oftentimes look more like a painting than a movie.
The moments when we are in the Hundred Acre Wood are exceptional and will make you want to pause the movie and take in the surroundings. You can almost smell the honeysuckle and feel the cool breeze every time we walk into the woods, and it makes us never want to leave.
Conclusion
There is nothing offensive in the film and, while it’s rated PG, it could have been G in my opinion. It’s very tame in regards to scary images, language or violence. But just because it’s kid-friendly doesn’t necessarily mean kids are going to like it.
Overall I think this is a great family film and I will watch it with my kids, but some of your younger ones may get a little bored at times. While I was entertained and entranced in the story from start to finish there are some slower more dramatic moments that may lose some younger audiences. But I think I’d say you’re good to take your kids and they’ll probably have a good time.
“Christopher Robin” is exactly the feel-good family movie I needed right now and makes for a family film that is poignant, touching, beautiful and funny.
“Christopher Robin” is rated PG for some action.
