“Silly Old Bear, I won’t ever forget you, Pooh.” (Young Christopher Robin)
The Disney film does a good job of capturing the heart of the hundred acre wood years after Christopher Robin grows up with a family of his own and a job to boot, but the phrase that young Christopher says to his childhood best friend is the one that haunts his memories all while trying to provide for his family and daughter who he missed the first few years of her life due to fighting in war. Now on what is meant to be a family trip to his childhood cottage, Christopher finds his hands tied with work.
Disney’s Christopher Robin follows the same story line of another classic tale turned live action with the child of the story all grown up and forgetting what it means to be young. However unlike the film, Hook based on a grown up Peter Pan who takes his work with him when on vacation, in Christopher Robin, he allows his family to go away only to be brought back to them with the help of his lovable friend, Winnie the Pooh.
The writers do an exceptional job in capturing the same childhood innocence as A.A Milne’s Classic story while making it for a new generation with the inclusion of Christopher Robin’s daughter, Madeline. Set in England, the story seamlessly crosses between London and the Hundred Acre Wood without blinking an eye. I also like the way the writer uses story book lettering and pages in the opening credits to set up the basis for what happened from the last time Christopher Robin was in the hundred acre wood to the present so as to allow the viewers to understand timeline point of view.
Disney’s Christopher Robin stars Ewan McGregor as the leading character and overall he doesn’t disappoint. His engagement with both his family, boss and the voice animated Winnie The Pooh and friends showcase his acting versatility as one that can interact with all types of characters some at the same time as the live actors on set. Which brings up one break out actress who plays his daughter, young Madeline. Bronte Carmichael plays this role in her first feature length film and definitely has a knack for it as she immediately captures the audiences attention from the first moment when her father starts to read from one of his historical business books and to when she herself saves the day with the help of her father’s childhood companions. Her expression from a little girl who desperately thrives for her father’s approval is spot on exceptional as well as her interest in his drawings that relate to his childhood companions. Honestly one looks forward to seeing what other roles she might be cast in as she grows and matures.
The music was also fitting to the movie as it includes such iconic songs including Tigger’s theme which he sings immediately upon introduction to Madeline. And the opening theme, though no words were sung, the melody was there for those that know the theme.
Ultimately at one hour 44 minute run time, Christopher Robin is a movie, similar to Hook that will have children young and old marveling over the bear that has captivated our hearts for ages. Adults alike will find a certain nostalgia to the storyline as they are reminded not to forget what it means to be a child. The film came out in theaters August 3 and is currently playing in one near you.