Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet but slow tale about the power of family, imagination.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Christopher Robin
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 60 parent reviews
Parents say the film is a heartfelt exploration of the importance of family and childhood imagination, although its slower pacing and some darker themes might not resonate with very young children. While many appreciate its nostalgic elements and wholesome messages, some parents report that sensitive kids could find certain scenes unsettling, making it better suited for ages 8 and older.
- family importance
- slow pacing
- dark elements
- appropriate for older kids
- nostalgic themes
- wholesome messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 60 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a heartwarming and emotional adventure that effectively conveys themes of friendship, family, and imagination, although some find it slow-paced and at times a bit intense for younger viewers. Many reviews praise its animation and emotional depth, while others note its predictability and moments that may not resonate with all audiences, ultimately making it a charming if not universally beloved experience.
- heartwarming narrative
- emotional depth
- slow pace
- beautiful animation
- family friendly
- themes of friendship
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN is a live-action sequel to A.A. Milne's classic Winnie the Pooh stories, following a grown-up Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor) who hasn't thought about his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood in decades. But then Winnie (voiced by Jim Cummings) mysteriously shows up asking for help finding Tigger (Cummings), Kanga (Sophie Okonedo), Roo (Sara Sheen), Owl (Toby Jones), Piglet (Nick Mohammed), Rabbit (Peter Capaldi), and Eeyore (Brad Garrett) -- all of whom seem to have disappeared from the wood. Christopher, it's clear, hasn't been very playful in ages. He's too busy trying to save the luggage company he manages to spend time with his wife, Evelyn (Hayley Atwell), and their young daughter, Madeline (Bronte Carmichael). But when Pooh turns up, Christopher Robin realizes that he must return him to the Hundred Acre Wood and somehow make it back to London in time for an important meeting. The reunion between adult Christopher Robin and his childhood pals is life-changing, as well as humorously chaotic.
Is It Any Good?
Like Pooh himself, this family dramedy is cozy, cuddly, and sweet, if not particularly nuanced or brisk. Entertaining voice performances bolster the live-action cast's take on the grown-up Christopher Robin, who's too tightly wound in his adult responsibilities to see that his wife and daughter are desperate for his laughter and presence. The plot takes a while to kick into gear, but once it does, audiences will surely enjoy the parts featuring Pooh and the rest of the gang, who are all each as we remember them from the books/movies. Earnest and kind, Pooh might call himself "a bear of very little brain," but viewers know that what counts isn't his smarts but his tremendous heart, which is full of love, joy, curiosity, and compassion. And director Marc Forster emphasizes the idea that not a lot has to happen for you to feel something, deeply, in a character-driven movie. The movie is fairly simple, and that seems to be the point (though you'll be forgiven if you catch yourself wondering exactly when the story is going to really kick in).
There's a lesson for all overworked moviegoers as Christopher returns to his childhood play space and rediscovers his close friends, who've missed him for decades. (Though if it takes a fuzzy bear to make you realize that stressing about work without a break will negatively impact your personal/family life, you really need some paid time off.) For a movie set in England shortly after World War II, Christopher Robin is notably diverse, without comment; it's gratifying -- and important -- to see supporting characters played by people of color, even if at that time it's unlikely there would have been such an integrated work force. Cummings, Okonedo, Capaldi, and the rest of the voice actors are all in sync with their characters; Garrett is particularly well cast as the grumpy Eeyore. But ultimately the movie belongs to McGregor and Cummings, who, as Christopher Robin and Pooh, form the bonded duo of boy and bear that fans will be eager to see back together again.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the character strengths on display in Christopher Robin. Who exemplifies the importance of teamwork, compassion, and gratitude?
What are the movie's messages about professional vs. personal life? Do you agree? What does "balance" mean to you/your family?
Winnie the Pooh fans: Did you like the depiction of an older Christopher Robin and his animal friends? Were the characters true to their personalities from the classic books?
Why is imaginative play important? How does the movie portray the need to step away from work, whether you're an adult or a student?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 3, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : November 7, 2018
- Cast : Ewan McGregor , Hayley Atwell , Jim Cummings
- Director : Marc Forster
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Gratitude , Teamwork
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some action
- Last updated : February 8, 2026
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