The Peanuts Movie

Before there was "Toy Story", "Finding Nemo", Monster's Inc.", "Ice Age", "Shrek", "Frankenweenie", etc., there was "Peanuts". Created and written by the beloved Charles M. Schulz, his work spawned generations of fans that has delighted and entertained us for decades. Now that we have "The Peanuts Movie" in the offing, another generation can become added to that never ending list of past fans that never tire of this work.

Charlie Brown (Noah Schnapp), Snoopy (Bill Melendez), Lucy van Pelt (Hadley Belle Miller), Linus van Pelt (Alex Garfin), Sally Brown (Mariel Sheets) and the rest of the beloved Peanuts gang make their big-screen debut, like they've never been seen before in state of the art 3D animation by Blue Sky Studios (Ice Age films). Charlie Brown, the world's most beloved underdog, embarks upon an epic and heroic quest, while his best pal, the lovable beagle Snoopy, takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis, the Red Baron. From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the Ice Age films, this story will prove that every underdog has his day.

Others to round out the cast are Anastasia Bredikhina as Patty, Noah Johnston as Schroeder, Rebecca Bloom as Marcie, Venus Schultheis as Peppermint Patty, Francesca Capaldi as The Little Red-Haired Girl, Marleik "Mar Mar" Walker as Franklin, Madisyn Shipman as Violet, Micah Revelli as Little Kid, Troy "Trombone Story" Andrews as Miss Othmar and Kristin Chenoweth as Fifi.

This was passionately and whimsically directed by Steve Martino ("Horton Hears a Who!" '08, "Ice Age: Continental Drift" '12) plus shorts. He really captured the persona and character of these individuals in this. Of course, it's not like he doesn't know his way around an animated production. It was surprisingly well written by Bryan Schulz, Craig Schulz and Cornelius Uliano based on the Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz. I say surprisingly because none of these guys have any other theatrical film experience, however they have done shorts, especially Uliano. I'm sure this rang so well because of Schulz's two sons who collaborated in the writing, and being around their dad meant something had to have rubbed off on them--and it did in spades. Much of this was original, and other parts of it had been used by Schulz Sr., but it was like a homage to their dad and something all those fans could reminisce about. It was like watching and old show but in a much crisper, sharper way that allowed yourself to walk down memory lane.

This is one film that one and all could and should see, because it's funny, heart-warming, uplifting, and the voice casting of these characters sounded like the original voices that were used back in the day. Bill Melendez even used his voice for Snoopy/Woodstock as he did in the original shows. Wow! Now that's detail that really enhanced an already solid product. Break out the popcorn and enjoy!

Out of 4 Stars: 4      Rated: G       86mins. + 7min short (Cosmic Scratt Tastrophe)