By Paul Hall
Beatrix Potter’s character Peter Rabbit first appeared in an 1893 letter and became the centerpiece of The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902. Since then we’ve seen multiple books and countless different appearances of the lovable rabbit in the blue jacket. In Peter Rabbit, we get a new film with animation and live action together.
Peter (voice of James Corden) is a rebel who is all about getting the vegetables from Mr. McGregor’s farm for his family. And when the hare finally gets the elder statesman McGregor (Sam Neill) out of his hair, Peter and his wildlife friends and family celebrate. Their victory is short-lived, though, as a younger and more agile Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) is about to enter the picture, and he doesn’t like rabbits either. And to top matters off, the new McGregor is smitten with Peter’s favorite advocate, Bea (Rose Byrne).
Peter enlists help from Flopsy (voice of Margot Robbie), Mopsy (voice of Elizabeth Debicki), Cotton-Tail (voice of Daisy Ridley) and Benjamin (voice of Colin Moody) to join him in his quest to regain control of the precious vegetable garden. Can they defeat the new McGregor? Or will this effort lead to the destruction of the garden, their home and the wildlife in the area?
This is not your parents’ Peter Rabbit movie, as it isn’t as soft and warm as I always remembered these characters to be. It is a big and bold film that moves fast, is witty and delivers an upbeat soundtrack. I found myself smiling throughout and envisioning Corden doing a bit with all of these stars on his Late Show “Carpool Karaoke” segment singing these tunes to the delight of all involved.
I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into the theater and am pleasantly surprised to have smiled for virtually the entire experience. Groundbreaking or memorable? Not really. A fun and delightful time at the movies? Absolutely.
Grab a carrot, head to the box office and enjoy Corden and friends with a new and fun “Carpool Karaoke” episode. You’ll be tapping your feet, your tail and the person next to you.
Paul’s Grade: B
Peter Rabbit
Rated PG
Voices of: James Corden, Margot Robbie, Daisy Ridley
Director: Will Gluck
Brought to you by the publishers of TV Guide, the ultimate TV resource packed with celebrity news and commentary on what’s new and what’s good to watch. Get TV Guide at 88% off the cover price: call 800-866-1400 or visit tvguidemagazine.com. ©TV Guide 2018.
NEW THIS WEEK
Black Panther
Rated PG-13
Stars: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o
Director: Ryan Coogler
Returning to his home in Wakanda after his father’s death, T’Challa is faced with the challenge of taking his rightful place as king of this technologically advanced African nation. With challenges coming from factions in the country, can he persevere and prosper?
Early Man
Rated PG
Voices: Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, Maisie Williams
Director: Nick Park
A new day is dawning for caveman Dug as he winds up in the Bronze Age. Dug must assemble a modern tribe to stake his claim, but can he?
Nostalgia
Rated R
Stars: Jon Hamm, Catherine Keener, Nick Offerman
Director: Mark Pellington
A series of stories about love and loss, this film looks at our relationships to the objects, artifacts and memories that shape our lives.
The Party
Rated R
Stars: Patricia Clarkson, Bruno Ganz, Cherry Jones
Director: Sally Potter
Janet is the host to a party to celebrate her new position, but as the guests arrive, they also bring along a myriad of challenges that make it evidently clear that this will not be a smooth evening.
Samson
Rated PG-13
Stars: Taylor James, Jackson Rathbone, Billy Zane
Directors: Bruce Macdonald, Gabriel Sabloff
An oppressed people turn to a hero chosen by God who possesses enormous strength. It is with this power that this young Hebrew will defend his people and avenge his God.
