‘The Peanuts Movie’: Movie Review
Nostalgic and uplifting bundle that though flawed is expected
Even if you don’t read the syndicated strip, you know Peanuts in some way or another. I discovered Snoopy as a decoration of a clock in my late grandfather’s bedroom, chilling with Woodstock. I started reading the strips and watching the classics; I don’t think I’m the only one who becomes fascinated with aviation from Snoopy’s quirky invisible biplane. Maybe you’re not Snoopy-centered, but rather relatable to the lovable loser Charlie Brown. Or Linus van Pelt. Or Lucy — sorry, I mean, Schroeder.
Part of the reason I let out all my love to Schulz that quick is because The Peanuts Movie gave me that spirit. It is a piece that celebrates the enthusiasm shared by over 50 years and explores what the characters are… and what they could be. It is a feel-good movie embroidered with deep themes of self-acceptance, love, and hatred. A nostalgic feeling. And it goes round and round and round, and that is what The Peanuts Movie is.
It is not a movie to get serious on, rather one that is rather viewed while relaxing in a bean bag in an air-conditioned bedroom. It will hopefully comfort you watching Charlie Brown (voiced by the authentic Noah Schnapp) as he blushes over the Little Red-Haired Girl. He tries to get confident and talk to her, assisted by Snoopy and Woodstock. Of course, it won’t be a straight rail, given Charlie Brown’s inherited failure disorder.
At the same time, Snoopy takes inspirations from Charlie Brown’s misadventures to write (in his iconic typewriter) a story chronicling his battle with the Red Baron to save his love interest, Fifi. One could argue otherwise, but this is a pretty smart supplement to the movie’s slightly dull plot. Partly because I’m an aviation enthusiast, but because it gives a great portrayal of Snoopy’s character. A flamboyant and daring, yet caring beagle. It could possibly inspire kids to learn more about World War I and aviation, but moreover, it keeps the eye awake, to viewers who can yawn over nostalgia.
The tone and animation The Peanuts Movie carries throughout is overall childish, but also has heroic and subtlely-mature elements that would keep adults in the story. It doesn’t feel like a jarring, forced tribute — it further emphasizes the legacy Schulz carries to humanity. We connect to the character in one way or another, making them a role model. I definitely see Snoopy as my role model, but Charlie Brown is, and Linus is, and Schroeder is. And that’s also what’s great about this movie: it diversifies your view of the comic, beyond the strips.
If Schulz had still been alive to see how he has influenced the world and humanity through this spot-on movie, he would’ve been grateful.
There’s nothing memorable in The Peanuts Movie, and I don’t. And it definitely will polarize general audiences. It is just a movie to watch when you don’t have anything to do, and when you just want some entertainment. In terms of that, The Peanuts Movie succeeds in almost every way possible. But for kids, it could be the opposite: it isn’t a feel-good, but rather an originally-composed story of preserving yourself, and makes them feel not alone. Nothing is wrong with yourself; be who you are, and although it may seem hard, one thing can change it all. you just gotta find it. As Megan Trainor puts it:
Don’t think about it, just move your body. Listen to the music, sing “Oh, eh, oh!”
GENRE: Animation, comedy
DURATION: 1 hour 33 minutes
WATCHED ON: Disney+
AGE RATING: 3+
LANGUAGE: English
