Christopher Robin movie review: A spin-off of the book 'Winnie the Pooh'

The 'bear of very little brain' and his friend reunite in the endearing Christopher Robin. Go watch it

Disney’s Christopher Robin, a spin-off of the beloved children’s book Winnie the Pooh by A A Milne, has all the trappings of a cuddly, feel-good film. The film follows the “adventures” of the walking-talking teddy bear, Pooh, as he reunites with his friend Christopher Robin, who is now all grown up.

Christopher Robin stars Ewan McGregor as the titular character, who, as the audience quickly learns, is now an adult who lost his  imagination in the process of growing up. The Scotsman serves up a good performance as a floundering father and husband who is trying to do what he thinks is best for his family, and then teeters on the verge of alienating that family. While his character flounders and flails, McGregor the actor seems to have no trouble playing the role.

He is joined by Hayley Atwell (of Agent Carter fame) as his wife Evelyn and Bronte Carmichael as his daughter Madeline. Mark Gatiss (who plays Mycroft in BBC’s Sherlock) plays the sneering, sneaky boss, ready to throw his employees under the bus in the event of trouble and take the credit when it comes to success. And he does this rather well. The voice cast for the movie also performs creditably, with Jim Cummings impressing as Pooh and Tigger — the toy tiger with rubber on his head and a spring in his tail.

Director Mark Forster pays attention to detail as the story progresses from Robin’s childhood to adulthood and finally his reunion with his stuffed-toy friends. The pace of the film could arguably have been speeded up, but that’s a subjective call, and not all will feel lulled by the leisurely tale. Those who do, however, will snap out from their torpor soon enough as the incorrigible bear and his friends embark on their adventures.

The story takes us back to post-War London and the cinematography is spectacular, recreating the feel of old London and the countryside. The film uses recreations of the pages from the original book to move the story forward as we are introduced to Robin, Pooh and the gang. It is an effective tactic, and beautiful to behold. The CGI that makes it possible to have stuffed toys walk and talk on the screen is effective, with Pooh and his friends resembling slightly worn-out soft toys who could do with a wash, but feel warm and cuddly all the same.

In conjunction with the visuals is the background score, which is every bit Disney. Uplifting at joyful moments, foreboding when the “Heffalump” seems to threaten and brooding when the characters are sad. It may sound corny, but it works in the film.

The best moments are when Pooh is being Pooh and Robin is being, well, Christopher Robin. Whether it is at the start of the film where the two talk about what they want to do in life, or when the “silly old bear” asks his famously reflective questions, you will feel warm and fuzzy inside, as is the intention of the makers.

The film has a clear message, which it delivers along with some heart-warming moments between Robin and Pooh. The message is simple: what is life without making time for your family, taking a break from work, and doing nothing for a bit? As also, less subtly: being adult doesn’t mean you can’t have an imagination. The message is delivered loud and clear, even if the climax is near-cringe-making for around three minutes.

It doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the books. It doesn’t even matter if you haven’t seen one of the many on-screen adaptations of the book. Christopher Robin is thoroughly worth a watch if you’re in the mood for some cinematic cuteness.