I love remixes. When I exercise, my playlist consists of mostly remixes. I think the reason why I love them so much isn’t because of their motivating beat but because of the use of old and new.
When Adele’s newest tune “Hello” is followed by a Madonna throwback and then an old Justin Timberlake, I get excited. The spontaneity of the music takes my mind off of the mile.
However, some reboots just miss the mark. Often times it’s best to leave a good thing untouched, and the new “Peanuts Movie” that just came out is a perfect example why.
I’ve been a fan of the franchise ever since I was ten and could comprehend its witty and charming sense of humor.
During all major U.S. holidays, I willingly encouraged my family to sit down in front of the TV and watch Charlie Brown, regardless of the number of times we’ve seen it.
There’s so much to love about the art; “Peanuts” essentially paved the way for modern cartooning. The stories exhibit simplistic lines, sarcastic humor, the inner dialogue of a household pet and a worrisome, bald boy, and characters whose hobbies include “psychiatric help” and playing Beethoven on a miniature piano. It’s genius, without trying too hard.
There’s also a lot to love about the characters. They don’t skimp on any generic personality: there’s Pig Pen, the one who doesn’t shower; Lucy, the crabby advice-giver, and Peppermint Patty, the sandal wearing baseball champ, whose nickname, given by Marcie, is “sir.” The list goes on.
In the 2015 3D animated version of “Peanuts,” director Steve Martino preserved the original feeling as best he could.
Given that the original voice actors are mostly dead, they chose to use actual kids, as opposed to adults with kid voices. What surprised me was that the kids even nailed the classic “Peanuts” comedy timing.
Here’s where I diverge. The pros that this movie holds is that it opens up a comic, a cult favorite from the early 50s, to the whole new generation.
I appreciated how Craig Schulz (executive producer and son of the late Charles Schulz, creator of “The Peanuts”) chose not to put iPhones in the hands of Linus and Rerun (thank god!). They kept the integrity of the time period. “The Peanuts” were actually created in which by injecting subtle touches like the rotary phone and typewriter.
Although those vintage touches are cute, I still felt like the gang looked phony against an updated background.
The same can be said for other remakes, too. “The Great Gatsby” that came out in 2013 starring Leonardo DiCaprio turned me off for many of the same reasons.
They kept the 1920s fashion, cars, and overall aesthetic intact, but then had to ruin it by injecting upbeat Jay Z, Beyoncé, and Lana Del Rey songs in every scene.
By doing so, they’re reaching a younger demographic from the modernizing the classic novel. In my opinion, you just can’t have it all. Either go all the way with the vintage appeal or none at all. Half way inbetween the two doesn’t work.
Overall, “The Peanuts” was a cute movie. Its throwback terms like “blockhead” and “good grief” reminds us of our favorite characters and their personalities.
I may not understand the complex world of animation, but I felt like they could have done a better job at creating a less than glossy background for Snoopy and friends to bounce around.