Winnie the Pooh
It is hard to imagine that a story could captivate millions of people spanning every age and have such a lasting impression. For us at HOL we know that to be not a thought or possibility but a fact. Harry Potter has done that very thing to each and every one of us, but what I am talking about isn't our beloved wizard and his world but a different magic all together. The magic of friendship and good heartfelt adventure. This past July there was a movie that came out about this very thing but sadly would not get the recognition it deserves for it was eclipsed by a fandom we all know and happily indulge in. July 15th, 2011 (April 15th, 2011 in the UK) marked the day when an old time classic came back to the big screen.
There was a time before Harry Potter and in that time there was a bear. One who found root in just about everyone's heart. Whether it be him or the pig or the tiger or the rabbit or any number of his friends. I'm sure you've heard the story of that silly old bear and his never ending search for honey? Oh yes, Winnie the Pooh.
My childhood was always dotted with the stories from Hundred Acre Wood, but it is my mother who really understood what a momentous occasion this was. She had grown up with Pooh just as I had grown up with Harry, and this year marked the fifth film to be released, the first being when my mother was only eight years old. Since then only four more have been made, the last being way back in 2005.
Six years is a long time between films but Pooh-bear has had a much longer stint of absence before (1977-2000). Still that enduring love remains for those who had found enjoyment in the books and movies. Children and adults alike will adore this film with its classic animation and original Winnie the Pooh stories. It makes one long for the days of the heart-warming family films that are just not made like this anymore.
This is a good movie that features all the original characters. There's Tigger and Pooh, Kanga and Roo, Owl and Piglet, Eeyore and Rabbit, and Christopher Robin too. No matter which one you loved, an old favorite can be found. For those that have not had the pleasure of venturing into the Wood before, new friends can always be made. I give it a solid 9 out of 10 as far as movies go. This will be one of those films that children will want to watch over and over again, as well as some adults, myself included. A definite 'should see' if not 'must see'.