Review of The Peanuts Movie (2015) by Kurtiss K — 16 Apr 2016

A heartfelt feature starring Charlie Brown and Gang in doesn't stray far from it's source material, offering old-fashioned sweetness and humor not often seen in modern animated films. The animation is gorgeous and modernizes the classic cartoon's 2D style nicely.

The story is fairly basic, focusing on Charlie Brown trying to prove himself to the new girl in town. In classic Peanuts form, antics ensue at various locales including a talent show, dance party, and a final dash through a carnival.

Snoopy also helps his pal through it all, but is also the cause of surprising tonal shifts throughout the narrative as we continually revisit his Red Baron side plot. It's funny, and some of the themes match with watch Charlie is struggling through, but the -admittedly fun- dog fights retract from the emotional build up and simplicity of Charlie's story.

Had Snoopy and Woodstock simply acted as foils to Charlie's emotional journey the film could have remained more on point, and felt less like a fan service to Snoopy fans. Overall, "The Peanuts Movie" is a welcome return to Schultz's classic, and what it lacks in originality, it makes up for with a genuine grin.