I can’t exactly figure out why, but there is some controversy concerning Peter Rabbit. Mr. McGregor is allergic to berries and one of the rabbits try to slingshot one into his mouth, otherwise known as bullying. Hmm, draw your own conclusions to that one!
Having gotten that out of the way, I want to say I loved this movie. It was sweet, it was funny, it was an amazing feat of technology! I do “get” how some of the sci-fi and superhero movies are technological masterpieces but this lovable film blends the real with the unreal. You have the Mr. McGregor’s, uncle (Sam Neill) and nephew, (Domhnall Gleeson) and the lovely Rose Byrne, friend to all things cute and cuddly, along with this amazing English Countryside scene and then you have all the animated characters. They are so beautifully drawn that even Miss Potter would have been impressed! 
Speaking of Miss Potter, I wanted to mention the movie by the same name. I reviewed it over ten years ago but with this new Peter Rabbit creation, it warrants revisiting. Miss Potter (Rene Zellweger) is about Beatrix Potter, her life and adventures. Mildly eccentric but resolute, Beatrix whose passion was drawing woodland creatures and inventing simple, humorous tales to go with them, was a strong willed woman who doesn’t so much rebel against the conventions of Victorian England but is self-contained to the point of not needing the approval of others. She chose not to marry because she simply could not see herself married to the trail of suitors presented to her. She has her animal friends who are very real to her and they become real to us as Director, Chris Noonan whimsically animates them.
Beatrix’s very first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit was published in 1902, costing just one shilling, and became one of the most famous books ever written. More than 40 million copies of this book have been sold worldwide in more than 35 languages. When she finally realized she was a wealthy woman (her solicitor informed her) she started buying up pieces of land in the very place she had spent her childhood summers and created her friends. Upon her death in 1943, she bequeathed all her 4,000 acres of farmland to the National Trust so that it should remain undeveloped and unspoiled forever.
Back to Peter Rabbit, the movie. It is irreverent, contemporary and just plain fun. I am finally thrilled to view a children’s (?) movie that isn’t totally filled with bathroom humor. I loved it all, from the rabbit with an “attitude” to the Conga line of bunnies. There is a war, mostly just a food fight, and there is a love story, but the crux of the story is about love and the world needs more love!
Whether you go for the CGI animation, the evolvement of an historical icon or just a fun time with the family, go! I took two of my teenage granddaughters and they loved it! When you get back home, get your hands on Miss Potter, the movie and it will make you appreciate the experience even more.
As always, I love your comments so email me at Carolyn@CarolynHastings.com.
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