Peter Rabbit Keeps Classic Alive for New Generation

Beatrix Potter created a world in which bunnies wear jackets, stand upright and rule the countryside they inhabit through her various incarnations of children’s books that  feature the most famous dude in the world – Peter Rabbit.  The mischievous and adventurous hero who has captivated generations of readers, now takes on the starring role of his own irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude. In the film, Peter’s feud with Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) escalates to greater heights than ever before as they rival for the affections of the warm-hearted animal lover who lives next door (Rose Byrne). James Corden voices the character of Peter with playful spirit and wild charm, with Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Daisy Ridley performing the voice roles of the triplets, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail.

Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, Peter Rabbit is brought to life in the mix of real life animation and tradition animation through the voice of James Corden and the direction of Will Gluck.

In this delightful version, the house next door to the bunny nook is taken over by the inhabitant’s nephew leaving the Peter and his family to believe that the torture may end with this new generation.  No such luck!  Not only is the new owner not a bunny lover, but threatens to ruin Peter’s relationship with Bea, which goes deeper than either one of them realize.

James Corden is the perfect Peter Rabbit taken the mischief to a whole new level.  Rose Byrne is gentle and empathetic as Bea and Domhnall Gleeson right on the heels of his diabolical character in the Star Wars Franchise is giving us a villain with a heart as Thomas McGregor.  Margot Robbie and  Elizabeth Debicki and Flopsy and Mopsy are absolutely adores…lisp and all.

What I most loved about this version is the mix of traditional and live animation to tell the story, in addition to  having characters like Bea and Thomas not animated, makes the film interesting to watch.  There are some sections that are little Bugs Bunny sadistic regarding doorknobs, electricity and explosives. but it made me giggle just the same.

Director Will Gluck says “…there’s a lot of stuff for both kids and adults…you’ll never feel left out…there’s never a joke or a scene that the kids or adults don’t understand.”

The most important lesson from the film was shared through James Corden via his 6 year-old son, “…everybody makes mistakes, but what’s important isn’t the mistake you make…it’s how you react to that mistake and the person you are after.”

Of course, when Corden was asked what name he would give his pet bunny, he shared the big news that “…today is a monumental day…not because we’re all here, but because it was announced today The Spice Girls are re-forming.”  Amidst the hilarity that ensued, he proceed to say that he would have to have five bunnies and name them…Scary ,Baby, Sporty, Posh and Ginger.”

Needless to say, casting was right on point with casting James Corden as our beloved Peter.  Produced by Sony Animation, Peter Rabbit hit theatre on February 9th and is a real treat for kids and adults making it the perfect outing for an entire family.