In this 3D movie about the beloved comic strip characters, “The Peanuts Movie” features Snoopy going up against his nemesis and Charlie Brown trying to win the affections of a new girl in the neighborhood.
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That love is based on the sense of warmth and nostalgia the Peanuts gang provides, which is why generations tune in to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” every year. Charlie Brown is still a lovable loser, Lucy’s whole existence is still to antagonize him, Snoopy is still the mischievous, adorable brains a behind the operation, and so on and on. Schroeder still plays a mean piano, Linus still won’t give up his blanket, Lucy still picks on Charlie, Pig-Pen still stinks and Snoopy and Woodstock still don’t think the rules apply to them.
In the end, however, he learns that doing the right thing and showing compassion are more important than showing off for recognition. Charlie Brown has to build up the courage to talk to the Little Red-Haired Girl in the real world, while Snoopy has to use his mad flying skills to defeat the Red Baron and rescue the love of his life in the fantasy world.
While Charlie Brown is the definition of an insecure worrywart, the feature film not only redeems him in his failures, but rewards the way he reacts to disappointments and challenges.
This year is the 65th anniversary of the launch of the original comic strip, which is regarded as one of the most popular and influential in history. I knew about Snoopy and Charlie Brown, but I didn’t really know a lot about it. When I auditioned for it, I started researching Charlie Brown, and I went on YouTube and watched all the holiday specials.
Reporter: Did you try different kinds of eyes? Done in sections like the famed TV specials, The Peanuts Movie has a few laugh-out-loud moments – especially the Leo Tolstoy bit – and there are places that nearly bring tears to your eyes.
“The Peanuts Movie” is a pleasant stroll down memory lane, limitations intact.
Even though The Peanuts Movie is made by Blue Sky, the company behind Ice Age and Rio, The Peanuts Movie is nearly slavishly faithful to the animated TV specials Schulz made with director Bill Melendez and producer Lee Mendelson.
Jeannie Schulz once said the characters were all parts of her husband, Charles.
The movie is 3D and CG animated. “We didn’t want to get caught up in making films just to earn money”. Most importantly the spirit of the Charlie Brown remains intact.
While I love The Peanuts Movie and the way it brings me back to my childhood, I have to wonder if the story itself and its subtle flourishes will work with today’s young audiences.
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“While it’s naive to expect that any media property would stand exempt from the relentless grind of rebooting and revival (and perhaps especially a property as thoroughly franchised as the Peanuts comics), there’s something sad about seeing a character as sweet and simple as good ol’ Charlie Brown so totally ruined”.
