The Peanuts Movie (2015), G, ★★★

Charlie Brown and Snoopy. 

Nostalgia is the first word that comes to mind when I was watching this movie because I am still a fan of the Peanuts movies and comic strips. They are basically artistic masterpieces of both American literature and entertainment. I was excited and skeptical simultaneously when I was watching footage and trailers of this next movie because I was concerned whether or not they will stay faithful to Charles Schulz's material and spirit. Maybe, it was the 3-D animation that got me a bit skeptical or the fact that TV specials or series does not translate well to Hollywood movies. But, I happy to announce that this movie stays faithful to Charles Schulz's idea of the characters and the world and not become too innovative in its material. It was a wonderful treat to behold.

Charlie Brown, again, is frustrated with the fact every subject and endeavor he attempts ends in disaster whether if it's sports or kite flying. However, in the middle of winter, he has the opportunity to turn his misfortunes around when the Little Red-Haired Girl moves across the street. He wants to talk to her. Taking Lucy's psychiatric advice, he improves himself to appear more confident by he and his dog, Snoopy, preparing a magic act for his school talent show to maybe impress the Little Red-Haired Girl. However, his sister Sally's act has not been praised and he takes the time to help her.

Down on his attempt to attract the girl, Charlie Brown teaches himself to dance so he can dance in order to win the dance competition so he can dance with the Red-Haired Girl. Many people like Charlie's performance until he slips on a puddle of spilled punch and sets off the gym's sprinkler system. However, his fortunes start to improve when he is assigned a book report but also partnering with the Red-Haired Girl. But, then, he receives a standardized test score and a perfect score. But, then, it gets reversed and it gets worse on his reputation and luck.

KICK THE FOOTBALL!

I was pleasantly delighted by the outcome of this movie. It is such a breath of fresh air that the filmmakers did not change the material a lot because the specials and comic strips was not innovative and not self-indulgent. This movie and the Peanuts material embodies the challenges that young kids go through in life and also in different relationships with other children and also a dog. But, also, there's so much imagination and a bit of realism in both the dialogue and the material. For example, in the latter category, Snoopy writes a story on fighting the Red Baron in a WWI epic that is both funny and exciting. It is a little better than some war epics, *cough*, the Pearl Harbor movie.

What I was so impressed is by the actors who voiced the kids. I felt like that I was at the peak of watching the old Charlie Brown specials while watching this new film. I was pretty much taken back in time. Even though the children repeat themselves in performing their everyday activities (skating, therapy, dancing, etc.), the movie is not modernized and not changed. We see them play and interact and actually doing activities. If it were modern with a lot of more technology, the movie would've been boring and destroy Schulz's spirit.

Sure, the movie is not as fresh as it should have been, but who cares? I mean, it's another special but longer and more nostalgic. It does sound negative in one angle but it's mostly positive in creativity because it respects the characters and material in focusing the challenges in life in terms of failure, disappointment and lessons. It's a 3-D, CGI animated treat for both adults and children alike, it is a generational movie that everybody can enjoy and it's that rare G-rated treat.

***