Revisit the Hundred Acre Wood

Following their current trend of live-action remakes of animated classics, Disney released “Christopher Robin” Aug. 3.

Unlike the beloved series and movies on VHS, “Christopher Robin” introduces us to Robin (Ewan McGregor) as a grown man. We see him married with a daughter and a job at a luggage company in London.

Unfortunately, we soon discover the carefree Robin that spent hours with his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood is gone. Overtaken by life’s troubles and daily stress, he finds little time for much other than pouring over his work.

Back in the Hundred Acre Wood, Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and the rest of the gang are still awaiting Robin’s return from boarding school, even though they are all long forgotten by the grown businessman.

When Pooh magically appears in Robin’s London house to request his help in finding the rest of Robin’s stuffed childhood friends, Robin is slowly reminded of what life is really about. We watch him fight off dreaded heffalumps, jump in rain puddles and finally remember how to enjoy life again.

Through talking to Pooh, Robin and the audience slowly realize that sometimes the right answer is the simplest. In a world plagued by way too much stress, Pooh teaches us to slow down and find happiness where we are. Whether it’s a full pot of honey, a red balloon or reconnecting with a long lost friend, it’s the little things that often mean the most.

A movie all at once heartwarming and heartbreaking, “Christopher Robin” reminds the now grown up that joy did not die with adulthood. While formulated for the long-time adult fans of the “silly old bear,” “Christopher Robin” is just as enjoyable for children. Full of sage wisdom from an unassuming yellow bear in a red crop top, a ticket to this movie is cheaper than therapy but just as effective.

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