Family Movie Review: The Peanuts Movie + Giveaway

  What’s the story:

Good old Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang are once again experiencing their own, beloved, coming-of-age situations. Charlie Brown just can’t get a break! The Little Red-Haired Girl moves in across the street, and it turns Charlie’s world upside-down. He tries desperately to get her attention, but everything fails…or so he thinks!

What parents may like about this movie:

It’s nostalgic and sweet! The Peanuts Movie a Rated-G sweet comedy is packed with so many Charles M. Schulz classic moments. You hear Vince music score once more. We hear Sally call one-and-only Linus the infamous pet name “Sweet Baboo”. Plus all “Wah wah wah wahs” from the never seen adults. One especially memorable new moment is a dance scene in the school auditorium when the unusually coordinated Charlie Brown tries to impress his crush. I could go on and on. As the snow falls in this little sunburn town, you are instantly taken back to your childhood.

I thought the CGI and 3D animation was incredible! The movie artists stayed true to the art of Schulz, and there was a lot of emotion in those little eyes of the characters! I also think there are positive messages in the film (see below). I was worried about the voices sounding not quite like the original, but everything was truly perfect. The voiceover actors did a wonderful job!

What kids will like:

The characters! Kids can relate to many of the dilemmas and circumstances the Peanut charters are experiencing- the genius, the awkward kid, having a crush, being overlooked, wanting to be liked. My daughter laughed a lot during the first part of the movie, especially when Snoopy tries his hardest to go to school with the kids! He’s always up to something with loyal Woodstock by his side.

Also, there’s a story within a story. Snoopy takes on the Red-Baron, while attempting to rescue the love of his life, FiFi! Snoopy retreats into his imaginary world of soaring planes. This looked spectacular in 3D. My daughter enjoyed the adventure and mystery. I think these scenes were her favorites. During one of the flight scenes I did get a bit queasy for a few seconds from the amazing action.

Concerns:

Charlie Brown is frequently teased by Lucy, and is usually the brunt of her jokes. Will she ever let him kick that football? You’ll have to see. Unfortunately, kids often tease one another and say hurtful things. This scene allows you to creates further dialogue in regards to how your actions affect others. How should we treat someone? Lucy would only focus on Charlie Brown’s shortcomings or failures.

Positive themes: 4/5
In this film, friendship and doing the right thing are positive themes among others. We get to see the caring side of Charlie Brown throughout this film. He is a gentleman. He’s shy and he tries his best to impress the Little Red-Haired Girl, even though he can’t muster up the courage to talk to her. As soon as Charlie Brown discovers that his book report partner just happens to be the Little Red-Haired Girl, he decides to do a good deed. She has to help a sick family member over the weekend, so Charlie Brown writes the report for the two of them. He’s very sweet. Throughout the film, there’s other messages- bravery, sacrificing your needs for others and loyalty. Charlie Brown does luck out in the friend department. Linus believes in him and is always encouraging Charlie Brown plus Chuck has his loyal, four-legged canine companion Snoopy!


Violence/scare factor: 1/5

There wasn’t anything scary. There is a war scene during Snoopy’s day dreams where the Red Baron shoots at other planes.

Sex/Romance: 1/5

None. There are a ton of crushes but that’s to be expected and part of the charm.


Bad language: 1.5/5

No cursing. Lucy still yells a lot at Charlie Brown and the movie follows the classic comic strip with some name calling (“blockhead”). Again, this makes a perfect conversation starter- name calling isn’t nice, right?

FACT:

A former Charles M. Schulz co-worker was the inspiration for The Little Red-Haired Girl. Schulz asked her hand in marriage but she turned him down. Ouch! How sad. I guess The Little Red-Haired Girl is the symbol of rejection!

There’s not a whole lot of education value but this movie is pure fun with good morals.

Final Thought:

What I love the most is being able to share this adorable movie with my daughter. I highly recommend seeing it with the entire family. The Peanuts Movie is like a love-story and homage to Charles M. Shulz. It runs 1 hr 33 minutes, so I would definitely see this at matinee prices!

Stay until after the ending credits to see what happens to that red toy plane!