We all have to grow up sometime. Unfortunately, for Christopher Robin, his time comes at a young age and circumstances forces him to leave the hundred acre woods behind. Fast forward to adulthood and he's working man, father, husband and veteran. Christopher Robin begs the question, "What happens when Christopher Robin grows up and leaves Pooh and friends behind?"
While Disney certainly could have delivered a nostalgia fest of Pooh and company, they delivered a bit more. Don't get me wrong the film does deliver on the nostalgia. However, Christopher Robin dives into some rather serious topics, while still remaining light at heart. The delivery of themes like war, divorce, child neglect and more are very grounded in their presentation. That's what I really appreciate about this film. Is that it honestly depicts what happens to children as they grow up. How under the circumstances you could be thrown into some heavy decisions.
As the story develops through, these themes still exist, they take a backseat to the more lighthearted humor we've come to love about Winnie the Pooh. Pooh, Eeyore & Tigger are definitely the standouts for this movie. They carry some of the film's funniest moments. Honestly, remind you why you love to visit the hundred acre forest so much. The grounded nature of the film gives the character designs a beautiful and unique feel. It's like a cross between animatronic, of the 80s, and current day CGI.
As much as there is to love about this film, its' not without its' flaws. For one thing, while there are truly great character moments with Pooh and friends, there are some of these classic critters who get pushed to the side in favor of others. As previously mentioned Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore are the characters who get the most memorable moments and characters like Owl, Rabbit & Roo are left in the woods.
Pooh's latest cinematic outing is also muddled by some pacing issues as well. I understand what they were trying to go for but the end result makes the film feel messy in some moments. The majority of these happen within the first act of the film. Certain moments could have been told through montage rather than actual acting.
Overall, Christopher Robin is a heavy yet joyful trip back to the hundred acre woods. Its' filled with wonderful themes, beautiful character design and moments. Through the fog of the forest is thick with this one. Its' beauty is blinded by pacing issues and lack of character development in certain portions.
FINAL SCORE: 3/5
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