Author’s note: review movies for artistry, content, and moral messages. I give each film a letter grade for artistry; this is not necessarily a moral endorsement of the film. I break down content as best as I can to help readers make their own decisions. I share moral messages in case parents (and others) want to use cinema as a springboard for Gospel discussion.
What is Christopher Robin About?
Christopher Robin is the latest live-action reimagining of Disney Studio’s classic characters. Based on the beloved cartoon series inspired by A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh stories, this film follows a grown-up Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor) struggling to find a balance between his demanding career and his role as husband and father to his wife (Hayley Atwell) and daughter (Bronte Carmichael). Unable to join his family on a holiday to his childhood home due to pressing professional deadlines, Christopher receives a visit from his childhood friend and stuffed animal, Winnie the Pooh (Jim Cummings; voice), that leads him on a journey of self-discovery back to the Hundred Acre Wood.
Is It Any Good? (Grade: B+)
Similar to many of Disney’s recent live-action remakes (like Cinderella, The Jungle Book, and Beauty and the Beast), Christopher Robin doesn’t bring much novelty or surprise to the table. However, what it lacks in originality, it more than makes up for in charm, nostalgic value, and respect for its source material. Show-stealing performances by voice actors Jim Cummings and Brad Garrett (Cummings voices Winnie the Pooh/Tigger while Garrett voices Eeyore) carry most of the film’s wit and emotional gravity. Cummings’ voice has become iconic to the franchise and aides the familiar musical themes in bathing fans of the classic cartoons in gooey, honey-sweet nostalgia.
Sequences through the opening and closing moments of the film also feature sketch-like animations reminiscent of E.H. Shepard’s illustrations that originally brought these beloved characters to life. Quick and witty banter between Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood delightfully shines through a screenplay credited to five different writers. It occasionally feels thematically on-the-nose and tired, especially in scenes where our anthropomorphized heroes are absent. Top-notch animation (that has become easily expected from Disney) only enhances the charm of the beautiful English countryside setting.
Is It Okay for Your Family?
Christopher Robin is rated PG for some action. In an expository sequence showing Christopher’s transition into adulthood, he is shown as a soldier in a brief battle sequence that includes loud noises but doesn’t explicitly depict any actual violence. He is later struck on the head by a falling stone while wandering through a foggy wood and dreams of a scary heffalump but the danger is very mild. Besides one very British usage of “My Lord,” the language is clean.
Any Worthwhile Messages?
The main themes of Christopher Robin are timeless and find their center in familial relationships. Christopher’s struggle between pleasing his boss and being a present husband, father, and neighbor bring to mind the oft-quoted President David O. McKay-ism, “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.” This film reminds us to be a little less busy in a context reminiscent of disciples Mary and Martha as we strive to be parents, friends, or neighbors that “hath chosen that good part,” (Luke 10:42) of prioritizing quality relationships over professional advancement or even well-intentioned practicality.
The importance of imaginative play is highlighted for not only children but their more mature counterparts as well. Perhaps the most poignant scene of the film shows Christopher Robin losing patience with Winnie the Pooh as they wander through a foggy Hundred Acre Wood. His impatience turns to shame as he recognizes that Pooh, like his own daughter, derives his view of self-worth through how he is treated by his father-figure. These heartwarming and inspiring themes are cleverly and effectively delivered to audiences of all ages.
Latter-day Saint Moviegoers help you make informed decisions by reviewing films for artistry, content, and Gospel parallels. It was founded by Jonathan Decker, author of250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families. For daily reviews join ourFacebook group.
Michael Stanley graduated from Brigham Young University with a Degree in Media Arts and works as a Video Production Specialist. He lives in Saratoga Springs, UT with his rockstar wife and newborn son.