sword_tenchi
Since: Jul, 2009
12/09/2015 00:00:00
I agree with this review, though I felt that the universe was still too against Charlie Brown in this movie. I realize that this is to maintain continuity with previous characterization for the new kiddies, as well as provide a foundation for the characters' growth if the franchise continues, but I thought it didn't work. Still though, a delightful little film.
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A Strong A Plot with an average B Plot
I think it goes without saying that The Peanuts is a classic and up until the movie's release, there was a lot of fear for their portrayal in the modern age.
Thankfully, those fears can be put to rest. The Peanuts remain timeless with no unnecessary technology or trends added to the narrative.
We all know the A story; Charlie Brown is a good-natured but horribly unlucky kid. He's surrounded by a mix of people who encourage him (like Linus, his best friend) and discourage him (like Lucy, Linus's sister). He has to deal with difficulties in baseball, kite eating trees, and the need for psychiatric attention (but who wouldn't for five cents). His life is changed when a new kid moves to the neighborhood, a little redheaded girl. Experiencing love for the first time, he tries to get her attention by partaking in a talent show, dance, and a book report. The whole time, he continually fights the universe for his one chance at happiness.
The B plot follows his dog, Snoopy, attempting to write a novel detailing his fight against the Red Baron for his own love interest.
The Peanuts movie is filled with several gags and homages to the comics and television specials. Its CGI is very unique, original, and gorgeous. The voice acting is well done by the child actors, as is the archived voices for Snoopy and Woodstock. Though not perfect, the new and old music work well together (I gotta give major props to Meghan Trainor's song).
So what're the problem? The B plot of Snoopy and the Red Baron is very loosely tied to Charlie Brown's story. Its mostly there for padding the movie, as Snoopy's writing doesn't help Charlie Brown with his problems or further Snoopy as a character. Likewise, Charlie Brown and Linus don't have as many existential/philosophical moments as I would have liked to see (I can only recall one "wall" scene between them).
All-in-all, it's a good movie you should see if you're a Peanuts fan.