Christopher Robin has grown up and has put the memories of the 100 Acre Wood far behind him. He is now married to Eveyln (Haley Atwell who continues to be one of my favorite actresses) with a daughter Madeline (Bronte Carmichael). But the film spends the first few minutes to remind us of the books of Christopher's adventures with his friend Winnie The Pooh. A.A. Milne immortalized his son Christopher on the pages of the original Winnie The Pooh books and Disney capture these books on the screen for over 50 years.
It is not uncommon for beloved characters to spend their days in eternal youth for future generations to discover them. Christopher Robin did warn us and his best friend Pooh that he too would one day grow up and leave the 100 Acre Wood. But for generations, Robin never grew up and we were left with preparing for a heartbreaking day of leaving your best friend behind for more grown up pursuits.
In a cross between Hook and Finding Neverland, Christopher Robin shows us that childhood is over and that it is time to grow up. After we are taken through that heartbreaking goodbye at Pooh corner we are thrown into the field of battle and then into post-war London.
Ewan McGregor is perfectly cast as Christopher Robin. Ewan can play both distinguished and boyish at the same time. In some ways his portrayal of Robin reminds me of Mr. Banks from Mary Poppins, someone who needs to be reminded that life is more than just work, that the fun still needs to remain. And that when he finds the fun, his life and those around him, will be all the happier for it. So, as Robin's job begins to take a toll on his work and home life, it's time for something to happen. Enter the return of Winnie The Pooh.
Pooh bear returns when he is needed the most. And our adventure begins. One thing that has to be mentioned is the astonishing detail of the CGI 100 Acre Wood gang. They are not only closer to Milne's original vision of the friends than the Disney animated versions but you can literally see the felt material they are made out of and the stitching on the faces.
Part of the charm of Winnie The Pooh and friends has been in their simplicity of understanding themselves, each other and the world around them. We learn that what is needed most in life is making time for our loved ones, that there is a difference between living and existing and never let your career take over your life.
Oh and stay to see the cute mid-credit scene.
