Review of The Peanuts Movie (2015) by T R — 30 Nov 2015

Despite the cynicism with which I walk into most movies targeted to my kids, I was surprised by The Peanuts Movie. At a time when visual gags and high-paced action seem to be the preferred route to a child's brain, this movie takes the opposite path. It is thoughtful, entertaining, and definitely satisfying on many levels. On top of that, both my 7-year-old and my 4-year-old thoroughly enjoyed it (and sat through the whole thing...that's saying something for the 4-year-old!!).

It retains much of the original charm of the comic strip and various peanuts specials while also providing something better. The animation is smart, clean, and yet it's created in such a way that it feels almost like it was hand-drawn. And the story neatly fits the most memorable pieces of the comic strip into a modest length movie (little read-headed girl, the Red Baron, various character pieces)... AND makes it fit nicely together. They offset each other so that a 90-minute Peanuts film which COULD have been a disaster become not just palatable, but enjoyable.

The three of us loved this movie. I highly recommend it!