THE PEANUTS MOVIE – The Review

Review by Dane Marti

Finally, a new Peanuts movie has arrived to add another choice for viewers that look forward to seeing James Bond and Star Wars, but want something they can take their kids to right now!  Of course, for people who might disparage this film as childish, old or uncool in the present modern age of cartoons such as American Dad, Pixar and The Simpsons, I must remind people that there were a number of Peanuts films through the years and at least the first two were fantastic, receiving sterling reviews. And they were highly entertaining during the dark, revolutionary 1960’s.

When I was a little dude, back in grade school, I was obsessed with ‘Peanuts’ by Charles M. Schultz! Was this the first signs of mental illness? I don’t know. However, the cartoons greatly improved my childhood. Literally. Of course, there have been other great comic strips: Recently Calvin and Hobbs’s was first-rate on all levels, as was The Far Side. Pearls Before Swine makes me laugh, sometimes. In the past, Pogo was amazingly interesting and unique. So was Little Abner. Still, Peanuts has always Rocked! Like Joe Cool—it was cool in more ways than one.  It was—and still is— the greatest comic strip ‘world.’

To me, these little people were not just cute, two- dimensional drawings–they literally existed. 
And, in some respects, I understood and appreciated these cartoon ‘little folks’ more than the actual humans moving around me, although the cartoons also dramatically highlighted the cool moments in a kid’s life. Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus: They ALL Rocked. I collected all the paperback books; saw all the TV specials and movies.

This legendary cartoon had the universal ability to communicate with everyone. Of course, Peanuts had brilliant writing (humorous insights!) coupled with clever, yet beguiling drawings: images that I consider easily some of the best Art of the 20th Century. I loved Peanuts and still do. 
So, in my middle age, it was a blast viewing the upcoming Peanuts movie for WAMG movie website. As with all my previous reviews, I reviewed it with aesthetic honesty, all the while valiantly attempting to leave preconceptions at the theater door. Ha.

THE PEANUTS MOVIE is super: The film could have gone overboard, adding elements that Schultz and Peanuts devotees would have been shocked by. For instance, the new filmmakers/animators could have added snarky, mean-spirited humor and satire.

However, since much of the cartoonist’s family had a hand in the film, the movie is definitely well made on all levels. It isn’t perfect, but for me, it came close. It’s entertaining for grade school kids, of course, but I heard adults laughing throughout the theater.

The plot cleverly utilizes many old stories from the comic strip’s past, but brings a fresh perspective to the famous and legendary comic strip’s timeless story lines.

As for the animation: While I viewed the movie in 3D, and there is a subtle element of C.G. to the characters, backgrounds and action, it never strays too far from the original animated /comics/TV/Movies.

The moviemakers create a well-fused balance between old and new styles. Basically, this is a quality Animated film for all ages that doesn’t destroy our memories of the classic cartoon! I loved watching it. Actually, it made me want to start collecting Peanuts Memorabilia once again. Any parent interested in taking there kids to this flick will definitely not be making a mistake, no ‘good grief’ about it!

3 1/2 of 5 Stars