Peter Rabitt

To put into a placement context, Stars Wars the Last Jedi crossed over into 2018 as the number one Movie at the box office.  Jumanji:  Welcome to the Jungle, slowly crept in and took over the number one spot for 3 weeks until February 9^th.  Which was when Peter Rabbit Debuted, for that weekend at number 2# and held that spot for three weeks on the global market after bowing out of theatres after a 13 week run.  What is remarkable is it’s a movie that went under the radar, and besides its small commercial spots it had a rather small media buzz surrounding it. Now with Avengers Infinity War, just released Peter Rabbit is ranked the 9^th highest grossing film of 2018 thus far.

The original book was published over a hundred years ago by author Beatrix Potter in 1902, five more books /stories were released between 1904  to 1912, and it grew and continues grow and become a timeless bestselling children’s book.  Growing up myself, I remember being exposed to the water painted imagery of the stories and of Potter’s characters. So when watching the movie in theatre it was no surprise to witness a cross-section of ages attending the movie, representing all generations, grandparents, children, adults both young and old. 

The Peter Rabbit movie represents a star powered Cast of 2017. Voiced by late show host James Corden, who at the time of this films’ release was saturating the market with his presence. He has done voice work for the movie Trolls and most recently playing Hi-5 the central sidekick in The Emoji-movie; he  ran his Car-Pool Karaoke specials on the CBS network and hosted specials like the Tony Awards and the 2018 Grammys.  His movie Co-stars where two of the most sought after women in Hollywood during 2017 – Daisy Ridley (Star Wars) and Margot Robbie (Suicide Squad), Peter Rabbit’s live Co-stars Rose Bryne (X-Men First Class) and Domhnall Gleason (General Hux of Star Wars), pulled off a remarkable on screen  performance and are respected and versatile talents in their own right.   

That all aside this movie, screenplay adaptation is modernized but kept somewhat out of time, it takes place in rural England. And stays truthful to the original source material; scenes from movie are framed that it takes its imagery directly from the art panels of children’s book.  There is also water painted animations peppered into this film to bring some nostalgia and added layering to the story’s developing plot. And we revisit key central characters like Old man McGregor played by seasoned actor Sam Neil.  You don’t see cell phones or overtly modernized technologies, yet modern era trains and buses, and Harrods famous department store are showcased.

Peter Rabbit and Domhnall Gleason’s Character Jeremy Fisher can be both viewed as villainous unrepentant, self-serving characters of the story; or protagonists who eventually find a point in which they need to change for the better. Peter is child-like unaware of his consequences, but like a child feels entitlement and as such displays possessiveness.  Fisher is a perfectionist, who seeks only reward for his merits of his vane lifestyle choices. The movie works not to offend but strike familiar chords to young and old, music is very contemporary and lyrics have been modified, the sight gags are physical comedy and are  on par with the three stooges, but pushes the boundaries to engage those with short attention spans.

Is it any good?, the vicious comedy,  and the music  are solid reasons to sit back and take in this spectacle, Corden gives Peter Rabbit Charisma and such a cool confidence that viewers are constantly engaged by the direction of this character.  The movie tries to top itself and offer a new level of zany  on almost each hop forward.  Its no surprise to hear that Sony Pictures  announced  Peter Rabbit 2 for February 7^th, 2020 release, with Will Gluck the original film’s director and co-screenwriter , to return and create this largely anticipated sequel