Christopher Robin
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Haley Atwell, Jim Cummings, Brad Garrett
Directed by: Marc Forster
Rated: PG
Who's ready to return to the Hundred Acre Wood?
Christopher Robin brings back our favorite A.A. Milne characters in a quest to help the now, grown up Christopher Robin remember the things that are most important in life. In terms of plot, the film is very similar to Steven Spielberg'sHook.Both lead characters have lost their childlike wonder that was once so strong. Instead of Never Land, Christopher Robin returns to the Hundred Acre Wood to reunite with Winnie the Pooh and all of his friends to capture the imagination he seems to have lost.
As a huge Winnie the Pooh fan, I can say that this is an impressive adaption of the iconic A.A. Milne characters. Watching Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore together on screen brought about a deep sense of nostalgia for me. These are the characters that I grew up watching every day. The film characterized them perfectly. Eeyore is a scene stealer here (voiced by Brad Garrett). I didn't expect him to get so much screen time, but he is quite funny. Piglet and Tigger have their moments as well. Piglet is the relatable anxiety ridden pig we all know and love and Tigger is the bouncing tiger who is always ready to have fun! Pooh is, of course, the star (voiced by Jim Cummings). Every moment he's on screen is perfection. He is adorable, sweet, and wise. The whole movie you will be plotting your quickest route to the local Disney store to buy a plush version. Maybe that was Disney's goal all along in releasing this movie.
Ewan McGregor does a nice job portraying Christopher Robin. Beginning the film as a workaholic with no time for family or fun, it seems as though he's a lost cause. However, he turns things around as his old friends from The Hundred Acre Wood enter his life. The scenes with Pooh and Christopher Robin are quite moving.
My one issue with this movie is the cinematography. I was expecting scenes that look like the poster above, but the majority of the film has grey and brown undertones. There are times when it's difficult to see the screen. I understand the filmmakers wanted to convey Christopher Robin was no longer living in a child-like world and his life was devoid of color. Yet, even when he got to the Hundred Acre Wood the cinematography was dull. Sorry, to be a snob, but I had super high expectations for the look of this film and I think they could have done a better job.
Despite cinematography issues, the CGI is something to behold. Winnie the Pooh and his pals move around in such a lifelike manner, you forget that you're watching CGI. I'm not sure what the technique was for filming these scenes, but it is quite impressive.
Christopher Robin is a nostalgic and emotional film that reminds its audience what is important in life. Pooh may be a silly old bear, but he has some very deep things to say.
My Rating: 8/10