Peter Rabbit

Year: 2018

Genre : Kids 

I had to twist Mark's arm to see this film and now that we have - I'll be honest - I have mixed feelings. Prepare for a pompous review...

GOOD: 

1. Ignoring the Beatrix Potter heritage, this is an enjoyable stand-alone film in its own right. 
2. The mix of animated and live action characters blends well. No naff or awkward special effects as there are in some of these types of films. 
3. It is funny enough to hold my attention and I chuckled quite a few times. 
4. All but one of the animal voiceovers fit well and sound 'believable'.
5. The bunnies are cute and pigeons are featured. (An underrated bird I always feel gets a raw deal in life.)
6. I enjoyed seeing other BP characters in background cameo roles. A nice touch.

BAD:

1. To link this film to the wonder that is Beatrix Potter's work is such an abomination it is almost blasphimous. The only resembalance is the name of the characters and that Peter Rabbit is naughty. Oh, and Mr McGreggor has a garden. All similarities end there. The story line strays far from the source material, which disappointed me. 
2. There are frequent scenes of (comedic) violence, hardcore partying and even one snippet of a character appearing to be stoned! None of these behaviours ever cracked a mention in any of BP's stories. (Note - I have yet to read the recently-discovered BP story 'Tale of Kitty-in-Boots', so I may be wrong on this. Perhaps I should reserve judement on this point!)
3. The word 'evil' is used a few times, too. I don't think such a strong adjective ever featured in BP's vocabulary.
4. The voiceover of James Cordon is not as well suited as the other animal voiceovers. However, after a while it blends in. It just didn't say 'cute-but-naughty-bunny' to me. 
5. Plus, it felt just plain weird and profoundly wrong seeing PR portrayed in a different illustrator's hand. 

CONCLUSION:

An enjoyable film in its own right if you disregard any BP-related expectations. The film tried too hard to be contemporary and thereby lost the innocence which is the true essence and beauty of BP's stories. And in my opinion, this is why it doesn't match the brilliance of Paddington 2. 

3.5 out of 5