 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Winnie the Pooh
- Review Date: July 15, 2011
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Adorable big-screen Pooh adaptation is short and sweet.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this big-screen take on Winnie the Pooh is as sweet and gentle as the original Disney cartoons, making it accessible for even the youngest movie-goers (and a fine pick for little ones' first movie). Preschoolers and early elementary-aged children may not understand the way the narrator speaks to the characters (who also interact with the letters and words on the screen), but it won't get in the way of their enjoyment. The sequence in which the mysterious "Backson" monster is described could mildly frighten some tots, but otherwise this is a faithful adaptation of A.A. Milne's classic tales.
What's the story?
Winnie the Pooh (voiced by Jim Cummings) loves his honey, but he can't seem to find any in the Hundred Acre Wood. On his search for the sugary treat, he encounters his mopey donkey friend Eeyore (Bud Luckey), who has somehow lost his tail. Pooh and his pals -- Piglet (Travis Oates), Owl (Craig Ferguson), Kanga (Kristen Anderson-Lopez) and Roo (Wyatt Dean Hall), and Rabbit (Tom Kenny) -- hold a contest to find Eeyore another tail, but there doesn't seem to be a suitable replacement. One morning, Christopher Robin leaves a note saying "Gon out. Bizy. Back Son," which know-it-all Owl presumes means that some creature called a "Backson" has somehow kidnapped Christopher Robin. That leads the animal friends to another collaborative effort to search for and save their human buddy -- but of course they're the ones who end up needing rescuing.
Is it any good?
With its old-fashioned animation and easy-to-follow storylines, WINNNIE THE POOH is one of those rare children's movies that's both simple and sweet. Like the beloved books on which the animated characters are based, there's no artifice or trendy references, just funny jokes (behold the comeback of the "Who's on First" routine), cheery musical numbers, and the occasional wink-wink to parents in the audience (who will laugh more than they ever thought possible in a Pooh flick).
Although the movie is really two intertwined vignettes (the pals search for Eeyore's tail and then try to trap the enigmatic Backson), at barely over an hour, there's no time for the plot to lag or bore even kids who can't read. That said, literate children will get an extra bonus of seeing how the characters form objects and words with the letters on screen, and adults will enjoy John Cleese's narrator, who talks directly to the enchanted animals. The Pooh is back, and thanks to sticking closely to A. A. Milne's roots, Disney has a winning little film for kids who love the fluff-stuffed bear.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the way the characters interact with the narrator and the words on the screen. How is this similar to the way the original books worked? Is it ever confusing?
Talk about personalities. All the animals have different personalities -- can you describe them? Do you know any people with similar characteristics?
Kids: Which character do you identify with the most? When you feel sad like Eeyore, what do you do?
How does this movie compare to other Pooh films and TV shows? Which do you like best, and why?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Great Family Movie
Thank you "Winnie the Pooh" for being a kid's movie that was actually made for kids! Our whole family enjoyed it, there were funny parts for the youngest ones (slapstick style) and funny parts for older kids and adults (characters interacting with pages in a book). Love it! This will certainly go in our collection when it comes out on video. Hope to see more movies like this in the future.
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Kid, 11 years old
July 16, 2011
AGE
much better then the other pooh movies!
I don't usually watch the pooh movies.But this one is HILARIOUS!!!!!
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AGE
Still like it as a teen!
I may been in my teens, but that doesn't mean I still don't like Winnie the Pooh. Winnie the Pooh was a major interest of mine when I was a little kid, and I still like it. This movie was really enjoyable.
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AGE
I CAN'T WAIT
Disney has done some really bad movies(Hannah Montana, etc) but FINALLY they are coming to their senses and doing good old-fashion movies. I just can't wait, I grew up with Winnie the Pooh and now as a teen, I think I'm more looking forward to seeing this then I'm looking forward to seeing Harry Potter 7 :D
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AGE
Great movie
Just came from the theater with my 7 year old daughter. She loved it but was a little scared of the "Backson" monster. I thought it seemed scarier than need be for a move aimed at young children. Overall, I would highly recommend it and hope that more movies of this sweet, gentle nature are made.
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AGE
Very short and very slow for anyone over 5
Ridiculously short and way to slow for anyone over the age of 5. My seven year old son mangaged to watch the whole thing but would have been asleep if the movie last for more than an hour! The movie itself was ok but I couldn't believe I paid full price for a movie that was less than an hour long. Save your money and watch the trailer and rent if kids insist on watching the whole movie.
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AGE
Finally, a simply enjoyable kid's movie!
THIS is what a rated G movie should look like!! It was full of lovable characters, a few good laughs, some cute songs, and a dash of adventure. My 4-year-old laughed out loud at the slapsticky silliness and was only ever scared for a split second when the hundred-acre wood was made to look a little spooky and the "backson" was lurking. It was so nice to be able to see a movie that we all enjoyed, without having to calm down fears or explain away terrible things happening.
After the awful violence of Cars 2, I'd just about given up on children's movies. This film redeems them, and I hope that more like this will come out soon and remind us that family-friendly entertainment can appeal to the whole family without stooping to gratuitous violence and innuendo.
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Kid, 11 years old
July 19, 2011
AGE
Totally worth going to see!!!!!!!!
I am 10 and went to see this movie with my dad I was suprised to find I really enjoyed even adults where laughing at some points! This is a lovely, sweet, touching movie!
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Kid, 12 years old
July 23, 2011
AGE
For people of all ages!!! : )
Winnie the Pooh is a classic character that is still loved by lots of adults and teens (including myself). I haven't seen it yet but i really want to! : )
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AGE
A Great Kids Movie
This was the first movie I took my 2 1/2 year old to see. He loved it and sat in his seat for almost the whole film. The length is just right for the younger set, even with previews, and there really isnt' much to be scared of. Just one quick scene of the "Backson" which by the time my son got scared it was over.
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| Topics: | book characters, friendship, wild animals |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Stephen J. Anderson |
| Cast: | Craig Ferguson, Jim Cummings, John Cleese, Tom Kenny |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 69 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | July 15, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | October 25, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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