In August, I went to the movie theaters with my boyfriend to see "Inside Out." The small child inside me was excited to see the latest Pixar movie, even more so during the previews when the trailer for the upcoming "Peanuts Movie" came on.
I have been a long time lover of all things Snoopy and Charlie Brown and I could hardly contain my excitement.
"November 6th!" I screeched to the empty theater. "Will you take me to see it?" I asked my boyfriend with wide eyes. He laughed and said yes.
So there we were last weekend — bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as we danced into the movie theater. We were armed with popcorn and candy as we settled into the middle of a row.
The movie opens, introducing all the characters who are getting ready to enjoy a snow day. Everyone is going out to play, but they are all waiting on Charlie Brown, who seems to always be the problematic friend. During the opening scene, the children of the neighborhood notice that there is a moving truck parked across from Charlie Brown's house and a "little red-haired girl" has moved in.
The film follows Charlie Brown's efforts to work up the courage to talk to the little red-haired girl throughout the course of the school year. From putting together an act in the talent show, to writing an entire book report by himself, to learning how to dance, Charlie Brown truly goes above and beyond to make a good impression on her, even though his attempts are usually thwarted.
And of course, through all of Charlie Brown's trials and tribulations, his faithful companion, Snoopy, is at his side. The animators did an excellent job of expressing Snoopy's character and emotions throughout the film. Whenever something seems to go wrong in the life of Charlie Brown, we see Snoopy and Woodstock attempting to right a wrong in their fantasy world of the Red Baron. We continually see them on top of Snoopy's dog house writing a book where all these fictional scenes take place. Overall, Snoopy and Woodstock often provide comic relief in an adorable and lovable way. They are given just enough sass while still maintaining the characteristics of lovable house pets.
How can you not love a dog who wants to sleep with you at night?
However, if I were a young child going to see this movie, I think I would have found it hard to follow. The scenes transitioned quickly from one to the next and there were a few elements included in the film that a child would not be able to understand the significance of. For example, when Charlie Brown tackles the book report, he reads "War and Peace" in one weekend along with writing the 1,000-word report — this is a large feat. Yet, I'm sure there are elements like this along with more mature jokes for the older people in the audience who are bringing along younger people.
I was also slightly disappointed that Charlie Brown's love interest had no name. She was never referred to as anything other than "the little red-haired girl." I feel that in not giving her a name, the film did her an injustice. She proved to be a likable and relatable character. If a child wanted to talk about her with parents or friends, she would be hard to identify. In the 21st century when recognition for women is being pushed more than ever, I would have liked for her to have a name. It's a very basic element that I feel should have definitely been included.
Despite my critiques, the story line was very cute and stayed true to the way the characters have always been portrayed. Growing up with "Peanuts," I found it did them justice and I am happy to see the love for these characters continue from one generation to the next.
