Christopher Robin Reignites Childhood Memories with Winnie the Pooh

When my father was ill,  I contemplated placing him in a facility where I thought he would be more comfortable.  As we discussed this prospect, my father said something to me I will never forget.  “If I hang around a bunch of people who act old, then they’ll make me feel old too.”  I got it immediately and we never discussed it again.  I’m fortunate that I was born to two people who are perpetually young at heart.  A characteristic they passed on to me genetically, that I will forever be grateful.

So, naturally, Christopher Robin struck a chord with me for a variety of reasons.  It’s so easy to become caught up in the amusement park of life that we are prone to forget what’s most important…family and friends.  Not the work…when it’s due…or how much or it we have.  Tomorrow is not guaranteed to any living being and being present for every single solitary moment is one of life’s greatest gifts.

Last time we saw Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor), he was preparing to go off to boarding school woefully leaving his pals in the Hundred Acre Forest behind.  Now, he’s a grown man with a wife and a daughter.  Only, his quest to keep them comfortable creates a distance and unhappiness that becomes unbearable (no pun intended) for all involved.

Enter Winnie the Pooh.  Pooh was the constant in Robin’s life that was positive and optimistic.  A quality that adulthood erased for Christopher Robin.  When Pooh seeks Robin’s help to find his friends Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore, the most wonderful of adventures begins its journey reminding Christopher you can always find another job.  What you can’t replace is the love, respect and support of your family and good friends.

Directed by Marc Forster (Finding Neverland), this Disney classic character’s integrity is maintained and the manner in which we learn how Christopher Robin grows up is masterfully and eloquently played out on screen.  A ginormous hand clap to Matt Cheese and Matthias Koenigswieser for such beautiful cinematic transitions in this live-action fantasy fairytale.

Of course, it goes without saying that Hayley Atwell and Ewan McGregor are fabulous.  However, other than Pooh and his friends stealing the show, young Bronte Carmichael as Madeline is absolutely wonderful.  She is one of the reasons I had a perpetual lump in my throat through most of the film and when the waterworks happened…it was a wrap for me.

Christopher Robin is the quintessential family flick and a great excuse to introduce a whole new generation to the magic, wonder and optimism of Winnie The Pooh.  I loved it and I’m sure you will too!!!  Christopher Robin is in theaters nationwide TODAY!!!