Movie Review: Christopher Robin...does a bit of something

Christopher Robin seemingly does nothing. There's nothing new here - no complexity of characters, a highly predictable storyline - one that's been told many times earlier in different shapes and forms, the live action animation is there but nothing jaw dropping - and yet, as Pooh wisely says very early in the movie - sometimes doing nothing is what leads to the very best something. He may well be talking about Christopher Robin.

The movie's trailer gives away practically the whole storyline so avoid it if you can. The movie starts off with a wonderful storybook-like presentation, melding hand made drawings with actual scenes to set up the context in a quick few minutes. Post that though, the movie slows down but it doesn't feel off. Especially the scenes with Pooh and his friends are adorably cute. Pooh says some seemingly simple lines but they have a world of depth within. His simple life philosophy is a great reminder of what a mess we've made of our own lives - with something even as ordinary as a simple red balloon.

The second half is where things get a little awry - especially towards the climax. However, at no point does the movie drag or feel dull. Predictable, yes but not boring. The animals keep things interesting - while very stereotypical and one-dimensional as characters - their dialogues are what keep the interest going. That and the lines between Christopher and Pooh. The whole cast puts in a decent performance but frankly there isn't much focus on acting or histronics in a movie like this.

Disney has always been the one to bring that bit of magic back in our lives. The daily rigmarole can always get us to let go of our childhood - grow up, focus too much on work and less on play, less on imagination, less on dreams. Christopher Robin is yet another offering that serves as that reminder and reinforces what's important, what ought to matter most. There's one line towards the end that Pooh says which while Robin dismisses off as a line from a silly old bear - its anything but. Its for these gems and reclaiming your imagination that you must go and see Christopher Robin.