It’s time to take a look at the latest Charlie Brown film that came out. This one decided to go with the comic title “Peanuts” which was an interesting move. I suppose it works as the film isn’t as centralized around Charlie as usual. He is still the main character by a long shot of course, but I’d say that this is more of a trip down memory lane than anything else. The film adapts parts from many of the older films and does its best to bring back all of the running gags as well. It’s really a trip down memory lane for Charlie Brown fans.

The main plot of this one revolves around Charlie Brown trying to work up the courage to talk to the little red haired girl. (She never gets a real name) He gets his big opportunity to do this when they are paired together to write an essay for class. She has to go back home for a bit though so it’s up to Charlie to impress her with his essay skills. Meanwhile, Snoopy continues to be attacked on the Astral Plane by the Red Baron. He’ll have to really hone his skills if he wants to make it out of this fight alive. That being said, this is Snoopy…he can handle anything that comes his way!

The Peanuts Movie really went all out to try and be like the older films. This is commendable since fans were really hoping that this wouldn’t go the Bayformers route or that it simply wouldn’t change everything for no real reason. Unfortunately, it only manages to be an imitation of the older films and doesn’t quite deliver its performance with the same amount of heart. The characters all go through the motions and act like their old selves, but it doesn’t quite work as well as the originals. A copy can never surpass the original right? Think of this situation like that.

Obviously, the animation has changed quite a lot since the old days. Rather than get better, it has unfortunately gotten a little worse. I did like the tributes to the old days as the classic animation would pop up from time to time though. That was always fun to see, but the CGI is fairly lifeless otherwise. All of the character designs are rather hollow. The CGI could have used some more sparks or something, but it is just CGI in general that always looks lifeless next to hand drawn animation. It’s not downright bad animation, just a little sub-par. There’s a decent amount of music here and the tunes are decently good. I can’t really recall any of them at the moment, but having any sort of soundtrack is always a good start for a Western animated film. It’s not much, but it’ll do to help give the film an extra kick.

Meanwhile, the film puts a great deal of emphasis on romance plots rather than focusing on the storylines that made Peanuts great in the first place. A female Snoopy character even appeared in this film to help him out against the Red Baron and it instantly turns into something romance related. That’s a shame since we certainly didn’t need more of that. It’s a Peanuts film so the romance won’t really go anywhere, but it doesn’t help the film at all either. These are scenes that could have been used for something more engaging. For example, more scenes of Snoopy actually fighting the Red Baron. Naturally, the same goes for Charlie’s plot.

Regardless, Snoopy still steals the show as per usual. His dancing skills have certainly not declined over the years and he is still an expert at everything that he attempts to do. It’s tough to surpass a natural genius who also trains at everything. Snoopy is a nice dog though and he teaches Charlie how to be cool whenever he has the time. Charlie’s a solid character for the most part as well. He always tries hard to accomplish whatever goal he has set his mind too even if he lacks confidence and can be a pessimist at times. Letting the essay get ripped was a little dicey though and I think you’ve gotta just keep that in your pocket once it is already written. Never take any chances! Charlie also acts selflessly quite a few times such as when he refused to take any credit for someone else’s test score. He’s always an honest individual who tries to help others. He may have his faults, but he is certainly a good person through and through.

As for the other characters, they’re true to form. Charlie Brown’s sister is pretty unlikable though as Charlie helps her out in a pinch during her stage performance, but she refuses to return the favor and help him learn how to dance. Charlie really could have used some assistance, but luckily Snoopy stepped in. Linus is always ready with words of encouragement and is probably Charlie Brown’s only real friend. His other “friends” still mess with him for a quarter and hold a soccer ball only to make him trick. (Well, that’s Lucy in particular) The Little Red Haired Girl seems like a reasonable character as well. She doesn’t talk all that much, but she certainly isn’t mean spirited. She’s just not around all that much unlike the other kids who seem to have unlimited free time.

Overall, The Peanuts Movie is an enjoyable experience. Technical merits are certainly not everything and the things to focus on here are the writing and the likable characters. Perhaps it tries a little too hard for nostalgia at times like Star Wars VII or even Goku and Friends Return to an extent, but a sequel would likely try to develop its own plot. I don’t think we’ll be seeing one for a while, but you never know. The romance could have definitely been played down a little, but I believe you’ll still enjoy this film. Can it beat the Christmas special? Definitely not, but maybe you’ll prefer it to the original Charlie Brown film.

Overall 6/10