"The Peanuts" is one of the most seen and talked-about animated films from the year 2015. And it is also among the ones that received the most awards attention as it scored several nominations at the Annies, got in at the Globes and seems likely to be nominated for an Oscar. The film's director is Steve Martino and you may have seen his "Horton Hears a Who!" or "Ice Age 4". The Peanuts movie was written among others by Bryan and Craug Schulz, both sons of Charles M. Schulz, the man who created the Peanuts and was responsible for writing their cartoons for many decades. It all started in the mid-60s in terms of television for Charlie Brown and his pals. So last year was their 50th anniversary and this film is sort-of a gift to loyal fans.
Some people may have a problem with the animation style, but I was perfectly happy with it. I think they found the right balance between making them look like the old characters and giving them a new modern touch. Same can be said about the story in my opinion. They included many many references to the old cartoons, in terms of which character likes whom, how they talk to one another, the failed football-kicking, how Snoopy is typing on his doghouse and, most of all, how Charly is still so clumsy and miserable most of the time and (not so) secretly in love with the little redhead girl. I believe all these references make it probably a more rewarding watch for those who know about the old films and will put questions marks in the minds of new audiences perhaps, but even for them it's an okay watch. But there are also new moments, like Snoopy and Charly being much bigger friends, almost besties, compared to Melendez' old films.
I always liked the story with Charlie and his crush, the little redhead girl, so for me it is amazing to see them use it for this film here. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the parts with Snoopy as an aviator flying to his true love at all. These were really weak and not memorable at all I felt. Of course they had the tough challenge of making a film that runs for considerably over an hour and not keep it at clearly under 30 minutes like these short films about the Peanuts, but i still wish they could have come up with a better story line for Snoopy. He was much more fun to watch in the scenes when he was supporting player to Charlie. Talking about the runtime, it is still a fairly short watch. It runs for 88 minutes roughly, but the end credits were really really long, so yeah, certainly not a film that will drag. In my opinion, it is easily among the better (maybe best) animated films of the year and a worthy continuation of the franchise with a refreshing modern touch. The only reason why I do not give this one more stars is because I have never been a huuuge Peanuts fan. If you have, you may consider this one of the best 2015 films, live-action or animation. i recommend the watch. Thumbs up.
Some people may have a problem with the animation style, but I was perfectly happy with it. I think they found the right balance between making them look like the old characters and giving them a new modern touch. Same can be said about the story in my opinion. They included many many references to the old cartoons, in terms of which character likes whom, how they talk to one another, the failed football-kicking, how Snoopy is typing on his doghouse and, most of all, how Charly is still so clumsy and miserable most of the time and (not so) secretly in love with the little redhead girl. I believe all these references make it probably a more rewarding watch for those who know about the old films and will put questions marks in the minds of new audiences perhaps, but even for them it's an okay watch. But there are also new moments, like Snoopy and Charly being much bigger friends, almost besties, compared to Melendez' old films.
I always liked the story with Charlie and his crush, the little redhead girl, so for me it is amazing to see them use it for this film here. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the parts with Snoopy as an aviator flying to his true love at all. These were really weak and not memorable at all I felt. Of course they had the tough challenge of making a film that runs for considerably over an hour and not keep it at clearly under 30 minutes like these short films about the Peanuts, but i still wish they could have come up with a better story line for Snoopy. He was much more fun to watch in the scenes when he was supporting player to Charlie. Talking about the runtime, it is still a fairly short watch. It runs for 88 minutes roughly, but the end credits were really really long, so yeah, certainly not a film that will drag. In my opinion, it is easily among the better (maybe best) animated films of the year and a worthy continuation of the franchise with a refreshing modern touch. The only reason why I do not give this one more stars is because I have never been a huuuge Peanuts fan. If you have, you may consider this one of the best 2015 films, live-action or animation. i recommend the watch. Thumbs up.