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For those that are Disney fanatics, Winnie the Pooh may hold a special place in their heart for when they were children. Both in the novel, animated series, and VHS movies, Winnie the Pooh and his friends have stood the test of time of being classic characters people have come to know and love. In Disney’s latest live adaptation, audiences are taken through the life of Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor) all grown up. Though he may appear as a family man to others, he is a man that is heavily wrapped in his work. As a result, he pushes away his wife Evelyn (Hayley Atwell) and his daughter Madeline (Bronte Carmichael) to the point where they leave him for the weekend. Through unexpected events, Christopher runs into his old friend Winnie the Pooh (Jim Cummings). Reunited for another adventure, Christopher helps Pooh find his lost friends in the Hundred Acre Wood who eventually help him reunite with his family.
Audiences are in a time where adaptations, remakes, reboots, and sequels are released all-year round. Some do great, others not so much. It all boils down to how it is adapted. The quality matters highly, otherwise it is just quick studio cash grab. Though some may get the idea that Christopher Robin is a cash grab, the story is anything but. The idea of Christopher Robin growing up is one that is greatly intriguing. Similar to Hook (1991), we see the child that started it all take on the adult life and fall away from his roots. Though it is a family friendly film, it does say much about how dangerous it can be when we allow work to control our lives. It takes over one’s family, it takes over one’s friendships, and it even takes over one’s happiness. Sometimes, people need a solid reminder of who they once were in order to fix who they are now. The reality of life is the fact that every one of us grows up. Everyone goes to school, earns a degree, gets an adult job, and start making adult decisions. Of course, we cannot stay children forever. However, that doesn’t mean we forget what made being a kid enjoyable. Imagination and passion are stronger than one may expect and that should not be forgotten, even as adults. Furthermore, it covers the importance of family and how life is happening now in front of us. This is not to say that one cannot prepare for the future, but one does not always know what the future holds. Therefore, one should enjoy the present moment with their family and loved ones, for they may not have those chances of enjoyment in the future.
While the film is heartwarming and enjoyable for the family, it does lack in some areas that could have been significantly great and lasting. Of course, the main characters are Pooh and Christopher and while we do get a good focus on Evelyn and Madeline, many of Pooh’s friends are unfortunately looked over. It would have been interesting to see the whole gang play various parts together in helping Christopher Robin, but that is unfortunately not the case. The film as a whole is still strong and delivers powerful messages, that being said, there was a feeling of wanting more from the supporting cast of Pooh’s friends. All play great parts in other adaptations, therefore not seeing them on the live action screen resulted in a disappointment.
Despite minor details and inconveniences, Christopher Robin nonetheless is an enjoyable film not just for the whole family, but adults themselves. Little do people think that adults can watch PG family movies for the enjoyment of it, lest it was their childhood favorite film. Christopher Robin is a film that they an enjoy on their own and watch more than once. Disney once again strikes the very hearts of audiences as it delivers an engaging and powerful story about growing up on the outside, but being a child on the inside.
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