What’s the Hangover Cure from Boredom and Unoriginality?

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By Tom Pacak

Last Monday, I walked into the local theater to see “Christopher Robin.” It was a 4:30 showing and my mind could use some entertainment. Keep in mind; I had a dentist appointment to get some cavities filled. My gums and mind were numb. Immediately, I saw four groups of parents, each having a pair of energetic kids. I decided not to see the movie because it looked like the kids would be loud and obnoxious. I regret that. If anything, the kids would have been the best part of “Christopher Robin.” Instead, I went to the 9:30 showing with nobody there. For any other movie, I would have been fine. Attending tonight shows is one of my favorite hobbies. But not “Christopher Robin,” a boring kids flick about the same cliché: in order to connect with your kids, you have to connect with your childhood.

To be completely honest, I’ve never been a fan of Disney remaking old animated classics into live-action movies. I didn’t like 2016’s “The Jungle Book” (except for Bill Murray as the bear) or last year’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The cast for “The Lion King” looks promising but I have my doubts. I’ve always seen them as lazy cash grabs to get us to be nostalgic about the good old days. I mean it works on Disney’s part but not the viewers.

“Christopher Robin” is the latest addition to be added in the cannon of unoriginal films. Based on the adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Jim Cummings), Christopher Robin’s (Ewan McGregor) imaginary best friend from his childhood. He’s also got Tiger (also Jim Cummings); Eeyore (Brad Garrett); Piglet (Nick Mohammed); Rabbit (Peter Capaldi); Kanga (Sophie Okonedo); Roo (Sara Sheen), and Owl (Toby Jones). These are all fun characters. I was a fan of them when I was a child. Here, they really don’t do much and screen time is mostly dedicated to Winnie the Pooh. I feel bad for the young kids who get to watch this knockoff and not have the experience I had.

We open up with Christopher Robin; he has some job I didn’t even bother caring about. He’s a workaholic and doesn’t have time to spend time with his wife or daughter. This makes them mad. He cancels a week trip to their cottage to work instead. I probably would have liked this movie better if there were some energy and excitement to it. Instead, we just get Christopher Robin wandering around the woods trying to find his friends. One minute, Pooh is missing and another Tiger is missing. It’s as exciting as an actual hangover.

So, this leaves me with my question; What’s the hangover cure from boredom and unoriginality? See better kid’s films. See “The Incredibles 2,” another sequel and Disney film. I gave it four stars. Even though it was a cash grab, I thought it was original and had a heart. Plus, Brad Bird put in some great action set pieces.  Here, this movie seems more interested in earning money than actually entertaining us. So my advice, don’t venture into the Hundred Acre Wood.

Rating: 1.5 stars out of 4


Note: Now Playing in Theaters

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