Hola Dannie aqui,
I had the pleasure to attend a press screening of Disney's new film "Christopher Robin" on Tuesday. I went into the movie thinking I would be experiencing a treat for both children and adults, and the audience was filled with both as members of the press were encouraged to bring their kids. Luckily most of the kids were very well behaved even during the parts that did not contain Winnie the Pooh and pals.
The film starts with Christopher Robin bidding farewell to his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, as he must leave to boarding school. After this emotional letting-go of his childhood, Robin's life is filled with turmoil and tragedy that molds him into a strictly business-minded workaholic. Thus we see Robin's inner child crucified by the realities of responsibility and the daily grind that is an unfortunate toil with little respect. The only happiness Robin finds is in the loving arms of his wife and the eyes of his intelligent young daughter.
After planning a weekend in the country cabin that first ignited Robin's imagination as a child, he is heartbroken when his boss insists on him working that weekend or taking responsibility for job cuts in his division of the company. More heartbroken than Christopher Robin is his wife and child that are left in dire wanting of attention. There is an apparent tension between Robin's wife and child, and at one point the child asks him to read to her, the scene is painful. His wife warns him of the possibilities of a nervous breakdown, expressing that he hasn't smiled in years and practically begging him to take time off for his mental well being as well as the families.
Staying in London Robin is worrisomely working away at a resolution to the issue appointed, Robin is on the edge of madness trying to save his coworkers and his positions in the company. Finally, we see Winnie the Pooh again! Pooh awakes to a gloomy and foggy day with grumbling in his tummy he searches for honey at home to no avail. Pooh then checks in on his friends to see if they might be so kind to lend him a jar or two. The search leaves Pooh Bear in a terrifying condition in which he worries Heffalumps may have eaten his friends, so he decides to look for Christopher Robin, the boy who always had the answers to help find his lost friends. Going through the tree portal/door, Pooh finds himself in London and decides to wait for Robin. The bear having faith the universe will supply him with his long lost friend, and eventually all his buddies from the Hundred Acre Wood.
Christopher Robins first reaction is that his wife was right he has gone mad! Then upon seeing others reactions to Pooh bears lively qualities he realizes Pooh is real. One would think that this fact would inspire immediate happiness. However, Robin's response was one of resentment for the interruption of his very important work. After Pooh wreaking havoc in the Robin's residence, Christopher decides to take Pooh through the door and back to his home. The trip there and back are filled with emotion. At one point Christopher Robin is an utterly heartless human and breaks poor Pooh bears heart. I am going to say it Christopher Robin is an asshole, and in grand Disney fashion eventually, Robin is redeemed as well as reintroduced to the idea of inner joy and peace that had been so long forgotten. The first moment you hear the delicate Winnie the Pooh theme played on piano your heart will explode.
The performances both live and animated are well rounded and beautifully performed. Yes, the film made me laugh, cry, angry, and at one point truly afraid. The film is a great family film. However, I would not say it will be a hit with very young children as parts of the film they might not grasp as of yet. Kids ten years old and up will adore it though. It all depends I guess on the maturity level of the individual child. Overall the film was incredibly enjoyable all around and is an excellent addition to the magic of Winnie the Pooh and his friend's stories. "Christopher Robin" hits hearts and theaters on August 3rd, and I hope you and yours make it to the theaters to experience a film ridden in philosophy both for young and old to ponder.
Stay Strong, Live Good, Love Movies!
Dannie aka Pekosa Peligrosa
