My nephew turned one year old on the 9th, and the next day I got to babysit him. Netflix is a great friend for babysitters, but I didn't want to turn on something mindless and/or annoying.
Then I remembered.
Pooh's Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin was on Netflix.
I grew up watching this movie (oh VHS, no less). It came out in 1997, but is still one of the best and most endearing movies ever made. Whether you remember it from a nostalgic childhood or have yet to enjoy watching, here are some reasons why Pooh's Grand Adventure is one of the greatest movies from my childhood.
1. Christopher Robin and Pooh's friendship.
Christopher Robin's affection, and Pooh's undying devotion, are signs of a true (and adorable) friendship. (And the songs "Forever and Ever" and "Wherever You Are" get more heartbreaking as you get older).
2. Well-founded encouragement.
Most children's movies touch on the "believe in yourself!" mentality, but Christopher Robin's mantra manages to avoid being annoying because it teaches Pooh (and the others) that they can do incredible things without using Christopher Robin as a crutch while still valuing him as a beloved friend. He actually teaches them something that they put into practical use.
3. Rabbit's deadpan.
The best.
4. Tigger's lines.
Also including (from IMDB.com):
Piglet: [screaming] Help!
Tigger: Oh, relax, Piglet, old pal. There's no difference between plunging 10,000 feet to the jagged rocks below and tumbling out of bed.
Piglet: Oh? Really?
Tigger: Why, sure!
Tigger: [Tigger starts laughing for a few seconds, then puts his right paw on his chin, with his left paw on his right elbow]
Tigger: Except for the splat at the end they're practically similar.
Plus, a healthy dose of cartoon physics.
5. Pooh logic.
I've used this line on people.
#wisdom.
6. Character development.
Rabbit is, indeed, smarter than he thinks, but he also comes down a few pegs from pride (like when he takes leadership from Pooh for being "smarter"). It rounds him out into a fully-developed character.
Piglet may not have completely conquered his fear of heights, but he pushed through it for the sake of his friends. He takes pride in his achievement, but still remembers the help from his friends.
Pooh persists, through all hardship, challenges and fear, and even though he gets stuck in the bottom of an ice pit all alone, he still keeps Christopher Robin in mind, only wishing he had been a better friend and thinking of Christopher Robins' well-being.
7. True friendship.
Once again, unlike more modern children's films, Poohs Grand Adventure manages to make this theme non-cliche and actually sincere. All the animals from the Hundred-Acre Wood depend on each other, trust one another and just keep on going for the sake of their friend. Even with the twist ending, they take everything in stride and enjoy the warmth and happiness having everything they need: each other.
The best thing about re-watching this film in my early 20s is that I get to re-discover its authenticity. The genuine story brings out the best of each character in a way that teaches children they can be who they are with their faults, but still be the absolute best they can be - their friends will love them no matter what.
I highly recommend anyone and everyone with Netflix to watch this before it goes. It's a loving, heartfelt story well worth the time.
