Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
CGI take on classic books has peril, edgy jokes, some heart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
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Where to Watch
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Peter Rabbit
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 148 parent reviews
Based on 73 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a hilarious and entertaining option for family viewing, despite some criticism regarding its violence and edgy humor. Many appreciate the humor and fun, while others express disappointment over its departure from the original story and some suggestive content, highlighting that it may not be suitable for very young or sensitive children.
- funny moments
- family friendly
- edgy humor
- inappropriate for kids
- departure from original
- violence concerns
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In PETER RABBIT, Peter (voiced by James Corden) and his family—sisters Flopsy (Margot Robbie), Mopsy (Elizabeth Debicki), and Cotton-Tail (Daisy Ridley) and cousin Benjamin (Colin Moody)—are orphaned thanks to mean Old Mr. McGregor (Sam Neill). So the young rabbits regularly break into his garden to steal vegetables to survive. Then one day, Mr. McGregor dies suddenly, and his distant nephew, Thomas McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson), gets word of his potential inheritance. Hoping to sell the farm and open a toy store, Thomas decides to travel from London to the countryside to check it out. Immediately, he meets charming, bunny-loving neighbor/artist, Bea (Rose Byrne), and is smitten. Determined not to let her know about his deep-seated anger issues, Thomas puts on an easygoing facade—all while trying to permanently get rid of the rabbits from his property without her knowing. Peter, in turn, wants Thomas to go away so he can have Bea's attention all to himself. Eventually, the situation literally becomes explosive.
Is It Any Good?
Beatrix Potter's books were simple and charming, but this adaptation just tries too hard to modernize the franchise. Peter Rabbit is frantically paced, but it still feels padded/stretched out, with too many pop songs and too many low-brow jokes. The movie also has a surprising amount of death in it, and it gets tricky to figure out whom to root for, since almost everyone in the movie behaves pretty poorly. But Thomas gets the edge, since he's human, and Gleeson is able to bring a hint of sadness and loneliness to his role. Peter, on the other hand, has too much in common with the arrogant, yappy, hyperactive "E.B." in 2011's Hop. The filmmakers couldn't even seem to decide on one simple rule: whether humans could hear and understand the rabbits.
Peter Rabbit also has characters occasionally address the camera and make wink-wink references, but they aren't much funnier than the regular jokes. Overall, the humor isn't exactly vulgar, but it also isn't smart. And whenever the movie gets stuck, which is often, it throws in another pop song. The only time it comes close to evoking Potter's books is when it briefly digresses into what look like hand-drawn animated sequences inspired by Potter's original artwork. If only the filmmakers had realized what they were missing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the action/violence in Peter Rabbit. Were you expecting all of the chases, violence, and explosions? Was it upsetting to see or hear about characters dying? Did the level of action/violence feel in line with a Beatrix Potter book? Why, or why not?
Do you consider any of the characters role models? Why? Do they learn any lessons or show any character strengths?
How does this take on Peter compare with the character in the books? Which do you prefer, and why?
Did you notice any stereotypes in the movie? Why is it important to be aware of stereotypes? Do you think filmmakers have a responsibility to avoid stereotypes and think carefully about how they portray characters?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 9, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : May 1, 2018
- Cast : James Corden , Domhnall Gleeson , Rose Byrne
- Director : Will Gluck
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Animals ( Wild Animals , Farm Animals )
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some rude humor and action
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : June 17, 2026
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