Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie – Film Review by Emily Elphinstone

Director: Steve Martino
Writers: Bryan Schulz, Craig Schulz
Stars: Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez, Hadley Belle Miller

It’s been a while since the last Peanuts film: Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown in 1980; so it’s unsurprising that the latest outing has made an effort to appeal to a fresh generation by using 3D animation. But in what is mostly a successful decision, little else is changed from the original stories of the Peanuts comic strip.

Unlike the recent Tintin adaptation which modernised the lead character nearly beyond recognition; the franchise is immediately recognisable from the moment Schroeder’s piano solo begins, and much of the film is created with the same profile/ three quarter angle so recognisable to generations of fans.

The episodic storyline is also faithful to Charles M. Schultz’s original vision; focusing on eternal underdog Charlie Brown, his friends, and adventurous pet Snoopy. The film is most certainly safe for younger children to watch, avoiding overly dramatic situations in favour of a gentle story about Charlie Brown’s desire to catch the attention of ‘The Little Red-Haired Girl’, along with classic scenarios of his highs and lows; from his accidental brush with celebrity after a 100% test score, to the struggles with proficiency at kite flying and baseball. This is paired with Snoopy’s imagined adventures (inspired by Charlie Browns trials and tribulations), which transform him into the Ace Pilot, hunting ‘The Red Baron’ and rescuing the object of his desire, pink pompom clad Fifi.

However, what makes the film a success is also where it is lacking. Though it is refreshing to see popular figures like the Peanuts gang left in their original form; the new adaptation, co-written and produced by Schultz’s son Graham and grandson Craig along with Cornelius Uliano, is so true to the original that it fails to go anywhere new. Moments like Lucy’s Psychiatric booth, Charlie Brown’s wardrobe of identical jumpers, and Snoopy’s ‘reality versus imagination’ adventures are undoubtedly brilliant; but the action fails to acknowledge the modern era in any way, and the lack of diversity amongst characters except Franklin (who was first introduced in the 1960s) means that the whole piece has a whiff of nostalgia surrounding it.

Unlike other ‘family films’, Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie is aimed firmly toward young children; promoting ‘compassion, honesty, and bravery’ rather than necessarily including hidden layers to keep adults engaged. It may not offer anything new, but with characters like Peppermint Patty, Woodstock, and an underused Marcie; it’s easy to see why the Peanuts gang are still going strong after 65 years.