For big kids, little kids, parents and animation fans, The Peanuts Movie is a gem of old school charm meets new world 3D animation that genuinely does justice to the M. Schultz genius. It wastes little time reminding people that grew up with it why you love it so much, while also making it a brilliant introduction to potential new fans of Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang.
It’s the kind of long-term investment DVD release that will get a lot of views over the years, so it’s definitely one for the collection for anyone that falls into our opening catchment areas. The snow covered seasonal spirit that covers a lot of the film will make it a winter favourite, but if we’re honest it was just as good a watch it in the barmy month of June, when it arrived on DVD in the UK.
The story is a classic zero to sort of hero tale with good old Charlie Brown taking the starring role as he struggles with his failings in life while desperate to impress the new arrival in the neighbourhood; the Little Red-Haired Girl. Luckily, and sometimes unluckily, he’s got his trusty stead Snoopy to help out with his various plans to win her over, but there are one or two bumps along the way.
The little moral dilemmas Chuck has to face add to the endearing qualities of The Peanuts Movie and as ever he’s got friends like Linus, Peppermint Patty and Marcie to give him advice and support in their own unique ways. With snow days, book reports, school dance and the perpetual challenge of flying his kite, there’s a lot packed in for Charlie to do, which means there’s very little down-time.
The voice actors have done a great job of bringing back the much loved characters. Unless you’re an absolute die-hard fan you won’t be able to notice any significant difference between the movie and the earlier cartoon TV outings for the Peanuts gang. Archive recordings of Bill Melendez as Snoopy and Woodstock have been used to help give the film the right level of continuity and the attention to details makes it easy to admire.
The animation is beautiful bringing 3D CGI into the mix without ruining M. Schultz’s original and unique cartoonist style. The scenes with Snoopy fighting the Red Baron look very cool, but then the whole film looks pretty cool too.
The Peanuts Movie is an instant classic and one we can heartily recommend as a new addition to the DVD collection. It’ll be a fan and family favourite forever and you’ll continue to smile and laugh at the film no matter how many times it’s been spun already in the DVD player.
The Peanuts Movie review: 5/5
