Movie Review: Christopher Robin (2018)

Christopher Robin (dir. Marc Forster, 2018) – An adult Christopher Robin is about to rediscover the important things in life, decades after leaving the Hundred Acre Wood behind in memory.

Verdict

Christopher Robin bears warmth in its portrayal of endearing friendships and its meaningful, if simple, message on life.

Review

Not to be confused with the autobiographical Goodbye Christopher Robin, Christopher Robin has naught to do with the real-life inspiration for the A. A. Milne creation. Rather, the re-imagining roots itself in fiction and aspires to be little more than a new chapter for the familiar yellow fur friend.

The plot is simple. A now grown-up Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor) suffers the ordinary troubles of the everyman, who falls into the trap of the working class and neglects his family for business. His wife and daughter tire of his broken promises, when he again sits out a family vacation in favour of work.

“Who are you calling imaginary?”

That is until his long-lost friend Pooh beckons him for another adventure at the Hundred Acre Wood, having lost his friends one foggy morning. Briefcase in hand, Christopher Robin gradually learns to rediscover his childhood and inadvertently, the truly important things in life.

The obvious message verges on cliché. Nevertheless, it is often forgotten or ignored in the competitive modern world, where reluctance to work overtime is seen as unwillingness to work hard. If taking time off for personal ventures is still seen as laziness in the workplace, a story like this serves as a meaningful reminder that bears repeating.

Who better than to be the voice of reason than Jim Cummings, who has brought Robin’s childhood friend(s) to life since 1988? Truth resounds loudest in Pooh’s words, “Doing nothing often leads to the very best kind of something.”

“Barely in the picture, but thanks for noticing me.”

His perfect portrayal, alongside the live-action cast, made their friendship credible and heartfelt. Down moments quickly find its light in the genuine charm of the occupants in the Hundred Acre Wood.

Of spilt honey and pretend heffalumps, optimism shines through with a sprinkle of absurd humour, countering the heavy cynicism that often besets in adulthood. There is no more befitting a mood for the innocuous adventures of the beloved silly ol’ bear.

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As always, thanks for reading despite the hiatus. I will still be away due to personal matters, but I have scheduled some posts and hope to be back in time for Halloween with a story. See you soon!