It's hard not to think about all the fears that I and many others had when this project was announced; A modern interpretation of Peanuts is just going to have poor Charles Shultz roll in his grave. The fact that Blue Sky was heading up the project didn't restore confidence either considering their last "good" movie was the original Ice Age in 2002. Rest assured however because Peanuts was everything I hoped it would be, enduring and wholesome, exactly like the classic holiday specials we see every year revived for a new generation to enjoy.
The plot for the Peanuts Movie is what you'd expect. Charlie Brown is sympathetic loser who can't catch a break no mater how hard he tries or how optimistic he can be; he's often overshadowed by his beloved dog Snoopy, whose recognition in pop culture rivals even Micky Mouse. One day a new girl moves in and Charlie Brown is love struck at first glance. The film from there plays out as Charlie Brown has to deal with his first crush all well the rest of the classic gang joins in on the action.
First, the film is deserving of my respect for focusing Charlie Brown primary instead of what could have easily been the Snoopy show featuring the Peanuts. Charlie Brown, although not the deepest character, is arguably the most likable and the premise of the movie gives plenty opportunity for his best traits to shine. Snoopy gets plenty of spotlight too, depicted by his many fantasy clashes between him as the Flying Ace and his arch nemesis the Red Baron. These were cute and well tied in at first, but by the end of the film I was almost infinitely more invested in Charlie Brown's relatable arch rather then Snoopy's make believe one. It's funny how epic the film comes across when at the end of the day its just elementary school drama featuring a plot seen in many pre-teen sitcoms.
Of course it be a sin to write this review without mentioning the cast, and yes thankfully there all here and realized into the plot. You can tell there was a lot of though put into the storyboarding to make sure each character had relevance to the story being told. The music too also deserves a thumbs up. The classic theme is here and even a couple others are in for good measure, but thats not the majority of the movies score. To my surprise the studio boldly used an original score for most of the film and even throw in a couple of modern songs too, and it works, big time! The new score feels like it could have come out of an adventure film, but also is simple and fun its its design. The score helps deliver Peanuts in a new way that feels refreshing and new without being disrespectful to its roots. Christophe Beck (who scored the film) is quickly becoming one of my favorite composures in the business after his work on Inside Out, Jurassic World and even Ant-Man. All his works so far have amplified their respective films which is the greatest compliment I can give to a composer working in the film business now.
In summation the Peanuts movie was a delight. I loved its story and the characters who have never felt fresher then ever. This is not just a kids movie, its a family movie that should be shared as such so that each generation can be touched by this film in a different way. It doesn't pander to nostalgia alone yet this is a story that I don't think will have worked as well if it wasn't Peanuts. I loved this movie and I will completely endorse it while its out.
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