Many have heard of the magical place called the Hundred Acre Wood. It has long been home to Winnie the Pooh and all of his friends. In the movie Christopher Robin from Walt Disney, Pooh is coming out of his home to enlist the help of his longtime friend Christopher, but it just may be Christopher who needs saving.
As Pooh (voiced by Jim Cummings) wakes one morning, he realizes all his friends are missing. What can he do to find Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Roo and all of the inhabitants of the Wood? Even though he hasn’t seen his old friend Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor) in years, he takes the bold step to go through the door and search for him. Can this talking bear find his old friend?
In London, Christopher is living life as an adult with all of the challenges that come with being grown up. His wife Evelyn (Hayley Atwell) loves him, and his daughter Madeline (Bronte Carmichael) adores her father. But as with so many adults, Christopher is lost in his life, doing everything his boss wants, putting work first and family second. And with family pushed aside for work, Christopher seems to have also forgotten how to play. Can Pooh and Christopher help each other to recapture what’s really important?
I’m just going to get right to it: This is a delightful film. But you come to me for more than this, so let me elaborate.
Christopher Robin drills to the root of many problems that exist with being an adult. We are constantly bombarded by work and trying to please everyone other than those who really matter. As McGregor portrays onscreen, Christopher works night and day, putting his family behind his work as many of us do. Work doesn’t make him happy; he just needs that reminder a character like Pooh can provide.
I smiled, laughed and even teared up a bit as I enjoyed this journey with these classic characters — taking a look inside my own life, knowing it is necessary to take more time for my family and myself. It did its job in relating to me on a personal level, but it’s not just a film for me. Christopher Robin is for all of us who have left our childhood too far behind. We do have to grow up and accept responsibilities, that is for sure. We can, however, have fun along the way.
Imagination is something that will do an individual good no matter what age they are. And in a time when there is a device in everyone’s hand, Pooh’s advice seems even more relevant than ever — doing nothing often leads to the very best kind of something. Sit back, relax and enjoy this magical adventure; you’ll be glad you did. And while you are at it, don’t forget it’s OK to sometimes do nothing!
Christopher Robin is available On Demand beginning Nov. 6 Check your cable system for availability
