Full disclosure: I was a HUGE fan of Peanuts as a kid (I used to cut the cartoons out of the Sunday paper and paste them into a photo album—yeah, I’m THAT old) and recently my 9-year-old daughter, Lily, found one of my old Peanuts comic books and became a fan, too. We were both very excited to see the Peanuts movie, and it didn’t disappoint.
Incredibly, this latest Peanuts iteration stays so true to the classic version –– so much so that you’d think you’re watching a Peanuts special on television, complete with frozen TV dinner.
That said, the story line is classic Peanuts, following the well-worn saga of Charlie Brown, lovable loser, attempting to win the heart of the Little Red-Haired Girl. Thankfully, the story never gets old and neither does the Peanuts gang, who have aged surprisingly well since their debut as a comic strip in 1950.
And they DO look good. The CGI animators were able to create a hybrid of computer-generated animation while using the ink lines for the characters facial features. It was literally like seeing line drawings brought to life and it was mesmerizing. And magically, their voices all sounded the same, too. How did they do that?
But it wasn’t just the visual effects that make this a worthwhile way to spend your time. Whether you’re a Peanuts fan or not, this film has a sweet message about overcoming failure no matter how staggering the odds or how many times Lucy pulls away that freakin’ football.
My favorite part of the movie? The Peanuts world is completely technology-free! There was nary a cellphone, computer or even a television to be found in the land of Peanuts. Instead Charlie Brown, Linus and the gang engage in ice-skating, kite flying and dancing.
At one point I had to stop myself from leaning over to my daughter and saying, “See? Linus isn’t playing GarageBand he’s playing an actual piano!”
Despite my desire to use the movie as a teachable moment, Lily loved the movie, and like a true Peanuts fan was rooting for Charlie Brown. “I liked how he kept trying and failing because you really didn’t know what was going to happen because he’d tried so many times.” She also enjoyed the music because “kids really like Megan Trainor” (Trainor provides the upbeat song “Better When I’m Dancin’.” Most of the music, however, is provided by the original Vince Guaraldi Trio score.)
And although I loved almost ALL aspects of the movie, it would have been interesting to explore some new plotlines for the bunch. Maybe figure out the origin of Lucy’s crabbiness? Or how about finding out if Pigpen uses his bad hygiene as a way to distance himself emotionally?"
Lily’s only criticism was the movie’s secondary plot about Snoopy’s imaginary fighter plane dog fight with the World War I flying ace, The Red Baron. She said she found the scenes a bit “boring and long” but assumed they were included for the boy demographic, who she thought might be less interested in Charlie Brown’s unrequited “love story.”
Lily and I think this movie would be great for all ages --but I would imagine that only elementary school kids would really enjoy it and older kids, as Lily said, unless they were Peanuts fans, might find it “too babyish.”
I personally would not want to see this movie again on my own, but I’d be glad to take Lily to see it as many times as she liked. The more she can learn from the wholesome world of Peanuts, the better.
Bottom Line: A quick review of important points for parents
What parents may like about this movie: wholesome message, nostalgia for original Peanuts series.
What kids will like: Their favorite Peanuts characters brought to life with cool animation.
Concerns: None. It’s rated G!
Positive themes: Movie shows characters with all different character traits, some better than others, but in the end they all come together to help out their friend Charlie Brown.(5/5)
Violence/scare factor: None. It’s rated G! (0/5)
Sex/Romance: None. It’s rated G! (0/5)
Bad language: None. It’s rated G! (0/5)
Information about these reviewers:
Moviegoers: Andrea (Mom), Lily, 9.
Our family faves:
The Incredibles
School of Rock
Wizard of Oz
Our faves for grown-ups:
Harold and Maude
Boogie Nights
The Big Lebowski
Check out more Peanuts parent reviews from members of the Fandango Family Digital Network :
Everyday Shortcuts -- The Peanuts Movie Review
The Simple Parent -- Seeing Peanuts with Two Kids Under 5
The Guavalicious Life -- Get Your Kids Dancing with the Peanuts Movie
Dandelion Moms -- The Peanuts Movie Brings Back Memories
Our Whiskey Lullabye -- Our Peanuts Movie Review
Stroller in the City -- Movie Night (with three kids)
Just is a Four Letter Word -- Peanuts Movie Review
Penelope's Oasis -- Taking Three Boys to See Peanuts
Fandango -- The One Reason You Have to See the Peanuts Movie
