The best: Nostalgia
The worst: The work "solution". Ouch.
Comments: Christopher Robin plays a familiar formula - take something that will hearken back to the childhood of adults with disposable cash, repackage it with a new yet friendly look, run commercials and trailers that focus heavily on the nostalgia, then sit back and rake in the cash (Currently at $91.7m domestically and $142.9m worldwide). Disney's Christopher Robin sticks to this path doggedly without variance.
And I loved it.
Like many people my age, I grew up with Winnie the Pooh. And then when my kids were born Winnie the Pooh saw a resurgence with new cartoons on the Disney Channel, so it was a familiar sight on my TV for many years. It was cute, it was wholesome, it was touching, and it was always good for a smile. The characters all represented a piece of the viewer - Pooh showing our childlike innocence, Piglet as our anxiety, Tigger as our exuberance, Owl bringing what little wisdom we had, Eeyore was our down days, Kanga covered those pieces we all carry of our mothers, and Roo was the simple child inside. But one day we all grew up, then our children did as well.
And that's where this movie steps in. Christopher Robin had to go to boarding school. He had to step in as the "man of the house" when his father passed away. And then (in the only scene that may be less-friendly for very young viewers) he had to fight in a war.
He had to grow up too.
His life continues. A wife and child. A job and the accompanying stress. An irritating neighbor. Bills and responsibilities. And they all add up to a breaking point which is where Winnie the Pooh re-enters his life in a very adorable scene. The rest of the movie is about recapturing the best of our childhood that we too often leave behind. It is intended to hit you right in the feels, and it does not miss the mark.
The movie heavily takes advantage of Ewan McGregor's energy and particular acting style. Unfortunately Hayley Atwell is mostly wasted in a forgettable role of Christopher Robin's frustrated wife. But the only actors that matter are the Hundred Acre Woods crew. They look like classic stuffed animals and the voice acting for the most part echos closely to the originals.
The movie is not without flaws. It is formulaic and predictable. There is a problem at Christopher's work that is somewhat central to the plot and the resolution is painful, even if it is loosely based on some real life situations. But this show was not trying to create a perfect movie, it was trying to make you feel a certain way. And in this, it is wholly successful.
See this movie. Allow yourself to let go and revel in the nostalgia. You will not regret it.
Rating: 9/10 - A fantastic time, and something to enjoy with the whole family.
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