GOOD GRIEF! The Peanuts are at it again! Once again Charles Shulz's beloved characters have been brought to life, this time in a feature-length film produced by Blue Sky Studios. Did it stay true to the core values of ole Chuck and the gang? Or was it made by a bunch of blockheads that don't understand the characters?

Let's find out!

 _^^^ THE PEANUTS MOVIE REVIEW _^^^

If you're reading this, there's a good chance you've seen the previews and are wondering if you should take the kids to see THE PEANUTS movie. Or perhaps you're wondering if it's worth dropping money on an animated film to capture an hour and twenty-six minutes worth of nostalgia for yourself.

I'm here to tell you that regardless of your reason for going, you won't be disappointed!

One of the interesting things about this iteration of Schulz's Peanuts, is that the story isn't groundbreaking, but it's still compelling. The Little Red-Haired Girl has just moved in across the street from Charlie Brown and begins attending his school. 'Charles' spends a good portion of the movie hoping to be something better than what he is, in order to get her attention. Meanwhile, Snoopy discovers a discarded typewriter and begins to pen his own story.

As we all know, the harder Charlie Brown tries...the more he fails. This is one of the most endearing qualities of the character as, throughout the years, we've learned that it's best to just be yourself. This is not uncharted territory for the lead character, yet somehow the formula still works. And speaking of old formulas, we are given all of the same themes as 'ole Chuck tries to fly his kite, Snoopy battles the Red Baron (stay until the end of the credits to find out his fate) and many more. It really felt like I've seen this movie before, albeit with a few twists.

So why was I so in love with it?

My heart and soul was invaded with nostalgia and positive feelings throughout. As Snoopy's imagination carried him on a journey parallel to his owner's, he was there to support AND antagonize Charlie Brown. From the classroom, the school gym, the baseball field and the frozen pond we see many of the same set pieces used in the past. Everything was updated with wonderful animation and combined with the simple brilliance that was Charles Schulz's pencil strokes. Which brings to mind one of the most heartwarming things about this movie:

It seemed, for a brief moment in time, that the late cartoonist we all grew up with, was holding our hands and guiding us once again.

THE PEANUTS MOVIE, much like Schroder's compositions, is a masterpiece. The dulcet tones of 'Linus and Lucy' (which many consider the official theme of The Peanuts) will comfort you much like Linus' famous blue blanket. You will not find yourself taking a nap, a-la Peppermint Patty, only to be snapped awake as the credits roll. It's not a gripping or compelling story but, it will cause you to rediscover a piece of your life that you didn't realize was missing.

If you have children to bring with you, they will be treated to the same cast of characters and events that have entertained us for so many years. Every holiday we gather our children around the TV to enjoy half hour animated specials that have become as traditional as the Turkey on Thanksgiving day. THE PEANUTS MOVIE, updated to suit today's younger audience while appealing to older generations, is sure to be another instant classic that can be enjoyed over and over again.