Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie

(G) Starring: Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus

For multiple generations, the Peanuts gang has been synonymous with the comic section of a newspaper. Charlie Brown and Snoopy represent a less complicated life of trying to fit in and relying on the loyalty of friends. Through Peanuts, legendary cartoonist Charles Schulz gave a voice to generations of people who felt marginalised and he provided hope via the simple messages of this young bald-headed boy and his beagle. Since Schulz’s death in 2000, his legend lives on through the Peanuts‘ comic strip and DVDs that include his legendary cast of characters.

Over a decade after Schulz’s death, his family allowed Charlie Brown and the gang to come to the big screen. Director Steve Martino has been able to capture the essence of Schulz’s visionary style in Snoopy’s bunch. The modern animation provides a fresh perspective to the familiar Peanuts storyline without diminishing the look and feel of the beloved comic strip. The only knock on this rendition of Peanuts would be that the simplicity may seem sluggish to a modern audience, but even with the slower pace, this cartoon journey will satisfy young and old alike.

The story brings back many of the classic campaigns of the comic strip: the battle Charlie Brown has with the kite-eating tree; his seeking psychiatric advice from Lucy; the ever-present crush that Charlie has on the little-red-headed girl; and Snoopy’s infamous duals with the Red Baron. Martino tells all these tales through parallel love stories of Charlie Brown striving to gain the attention of the young red head, and Snoopy trying to save Fifi, an imaginary damsel in distress. If it all sounds familiar, it is and there is nothing ground breaking, but the nostalgic tone will provide satisfaction for most Snoopy fans.

For the generations that already know the vintage Peanuts archetypes, this summer-holiday movie will provide a sentimental balm to the soul. It is conventional, but it upholds the values of a simpler era that have continued to carry these characters along for decades. For the generations that are not as accustomed to Snoopy and company, it will provide the laughs and entertainment needed for parents who are looking for a fun and safe option for their young children during this season at the cinema.

Also, Charlie Brown And Snoopy: The Peanuts Movie provides its life lessons through humour, heart-felt messages and endearing characters.

What are the bigger questions to consider from this film?

1. What does the Bible say about confidence?(2 Timothy 1:7, Hebrews 13:6)
2. Why are friends important? (Proverbs 18:24, John 15:13)

Russell Matthews works for City Bible Forum Sydney and is a film blogger