Peter Rabbit Movie Review – There’s Magic in the Mayhem

My Peter Rabbit movie review post was created in partnership with Sony Pictures who provided travel and accommodations so I could attend the press junket.

Once upon a time, there were four little Rabbits, and their names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter. That’s how the beloved literary tale began, and we’ll forever adore Beatrix Potter for introducing us to the magical world of Peter Rabbit all those years ago.

In the PETER RABBIT movie, things have jumped forward in time a little bit, sort of picking up where the books left off, and since Peter Rabbit is the star, it begins (and ends) with mischief.

I, for one, wouldn’t have it any other way.

PETER RABBIT Movie Review

Peter Rabbit, the mischievous and adventurous hero who has captivated generations of readers, now takes on the starring role of his own irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude. In the film, Peter’s feud with Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) escalates to greater heights than ever before as they rival for the affections of the warm-hearted animal lover who lives next door (Rose Byrne). James Corden voices the character of Peter with playful spirit and wild charm, with Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Daisy Ridley performing the voice roles of the triplets, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail.

James Corden stars as the voice of Peter Rabbit in this live action/animation tale, and he brings a bit of pop culture, some sass and a heck of a lot of fun to the character. Naturally, Peter continues his veggie battles with Mr. McGregor and drags Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and cousin Benjamin right along with him in spite of the warnings neighbor Bea (Rose Byrne) continually issues.

When Old Mr. McGregor is is vanquished, the animals think their troubles are over, but then the younger, quicker, and more tightly wound Thomas McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) shows up, and the garden feuds commence with renewed vigor. As romance blossoms between Thomas and Bea, Peter and Mr. McGregor try even harder to destroy each other (while pretending they’re pals when Bea is nearby).

The CG effects created by Animal Logic in PETER RABBIT are unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. The animals’ skin, fur and feathers move with wind and touch and when they travel about their environment, there are real changes (the bunnies mat the grass as they hop along, for instance). Not only that, but their emotions are as visible as that of their human counterparts. It’s really quite remarkable!

The action is continuous, the music is really fun and the silliness never stops because there are jokes designed for kids and for adults. The deer and the rooster scenes are hilarious!

Rather than being a soft and tender tale suitable for bedtime, PETER RABBIT is a wildly raucous adventure with a multitude of pop-culture references. Yet, there are lovely and timeless lessons to be learned about family, forgiveness, and love.

If you’re partial to the classic tale, know that this isn’t designed to be a purist adaptation although the movie’s sweetest scenes pay homage to Beatrix Potter’s lovely watercolor illustrations. PETER RABBIT is a modern telling of Peter’s next adventure which takes place in today’s world with today’s sensibilities, and believe me, today’s kids and their parents will be laughing.

Go see PETER RABBIT in theaters beginning February 9.

If you enjoyed reading my Peter Rabbit movie review, check out these “inside the garden” movie tidbits and find the best Peter Rabbit gift for your child.