Peanuts Movie

As a child of the 70’s, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts are a huge part of my cherished memories. Every holiday brought a Peanuts Special that I would patiently wait to watch. Those nights were ritualistic – homework and chores done at lightning speed, dinner eaten (veggies and all) teeth brushed, pj’s on – all before 7pm. My kids can’t believe that we could only watch our favorite Charlie Brown Holiday show once a year – commercials and all.

That wonderful sense of excitement and anticipation came back a few months ago when I took the kids to the movies and saw the Peanuts Movie trailer. Really?? A full-length Peanuts Movie? Coming out sometime between Linus’s nap in the Pumpkin Patch and the unforgettable popcorn-jellybean-toast Thanksgiving Impossible??!!

To top my excitement off, I was asked to attend a special Peanuts Movie Preview event and screening earlier this week. With my seven year old Josephine in tow, I headed downtown on Tuesday afternoon. Our Peanuts Movie preview started with an event at Children’s Museum of the Arts. Josie had a ball sculpting Snoopy out of clay, learning from the pros how to illustrate him and she even made new friends while creating a movie in the style of our friends the Peanuts.

Peanuts Movie SchoolYardStyle

After a quick snack and a picture with a few movie stars, we headed to Times Square for the Peanuts Movie preview…in 3D! Josie was thrilled and I was over the top. They were all there on the big screen – PigPen! Schroeder! Franklin! Peppermint Patty (Sir) and of course Snoopy, Woodstock, Linus, Lucy, Sally and Chuck…er…Charlie Brown. The movie was filled with poignant reminders of those favorite classics as well as a few new twists. In an attempt to impress his new neighbor, the little red haired girl, Charlie Brown braves some new adventures. He participates in a talent show, learns how to dance, and even brushes up on some classic literature. Yes – War and Peace. But can Charlie Brown really learn new tricks? Or do his old fears and mishaps get the best of him? Will the little red haired girl finally take notice??

Will his trusted pal Snoopy stand by his side through it all??

Josie and I both loved the movie. It is quintessential Peanuts with a modern day voice. The movie will bring out the little kid in all of us and have you rooting for the underdog. Dream Big.