5. The Peanuts Movie 3-D
Charles Schultz Peanuts is one of the most beloved comic strips of all time, and the numerous holiday TV specials are so iconic that youd be hard-pressed to meet anyone who didnt grow up on this stuff. Part of the comics appeal is its minimalismsimply-rendered characters, low-key observational humor and children serving as a microcosm of lifes trials & tribulations. The TV shows retained the same look and tone. The fact that most are still an annual part of everyones holiday TV diet is a testament to their timelessness. Is there anyone who truly believes Peanuts needs a CG update, in 3-D no less? This is even a worse idea than Popeye, because these iconic characters (and how theyre illustrated) are still culturally relevant. When we think of Snoopy lying atop his doghouse or Lucy swiping the football away from Charlie Brown, a specific image immediately comes-to-mind. Who the hell wants to see them rendered any other way? In addition, Peanuts have historically fared better on television than in theatrical features, mainly because the classic TV programs consisted of vignettes loosely tied to a theme, and would often deviate from whatever threadbare plot was presented. While several feature-length Peanuts movies were released in the 70s, none of them were as consistently funny or interesting as the comic or TV shows. The concept of Peanuts doesnt lend itself to full-blown features. Whats charming, amusing and insightful in 30 minute segments becomes somewhat meandering when padded out to 90.
WHAT COULD SAVE THIS FILM: It depends on the number of undemanding children still blown away by anything presented in 3-D, with parents willing to pay the inflated admission price, even though this movie will undoubtedly crap all over their own childhood memories.