Review of The Peanuts Movie (2015) by Moviereviewmave — 14 Nov 2015

Grade: B+.

In a Nutshell: How wonderful that a whole new generation is being introduced to the lovable Peanuts. Hollywood did this one right: they kept the message clean and pure, just as Charles Schultz would have liked it.

I suspect parents who grew up with the Peanuts will enjoy this more than their kids. This is a classic, simple love story and underdog tale. While it doesn’t really offer anything new or fresh, it feels like a nostalgic visit with an old friend and plays like a “Best of Peanuts” film.

Uplifting Theme:

· You’re as young as your imagination will allow you to be.

· Be kind to others. We are all fighting our own battles.

· Never give up.

Things I liked:

· Meagan Trainer’s cute song Better When I'm Dancin' is adorable and catchy. You’ll leave the theater dancing.

· Snoopy’s timeline is adorable.

· Cute Charlie Brown balloons at the school assembly. I’ll bet you can buy them on Amazon soon.

· When I was in high school, I played the little red-haired girl. Nope, no lines. I just sat there on the stage while Charlie Brown did all the work. I pretended to pick my nose and eat my boogers …and stole the scene. Ha ha.

· Linus plays Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata , which my mother used to play on the piano while I was growing up.

· Fans of Minions will get a kick out of the overly dramatic Snoopy and the sounds he makes.

· Keep watching during the closing credits.

Things I didn’t like:

· It’s so true to its source material that it feels unimaginative. We’ve seen it before.

· Paying extra for 3D is not necessary.

· Some children who are used to sophisticated animation nowadays may think the simple animation design of the peanuts is too…simple.

· It’s weird that so many of the Peanuts characters are balding as young children, right?

· There aren’t very many really funny lines.

Funny lines:

· “Is there an emoji for good grief?” – Charlie Brown.

· “Can a brother and sister get a divorce?” – Sally (Charlie Brown’s sister). She kind of reminds me of Lisa from the The Simpsons Movie .

Tips for Parents:

· The language gets as bad as “Rats!” and “Good Grief!” How refreshing.

It's sweet and innocent.