Christopher Robin: Movie review

The moment I saw the trailer for the movie Christopher Robin, I knew I just had to see the movie. I grew up loving Winnie the Pooh. In fact, I used to collect anything Winnie the Pooh. From mugs to pillows to stuff toys or pajamas and blankets. I was just a fan!

Learning about this movie just brought nostalgic memories of Pooh's voice to the humor of Eeyore's doom and gloom comments about almost everything tugged my heart and brought me down to memory lane. I had high expectations for a simple and sweet story with some very thoughtful life lessons. And true enough, that's exactly what I got. I do not exactly remember all Winnie the Pooh cartoon episodes I've seen before but I have always carried a few quotes and lessons with me through all seasons of life. Seeing Winnie the Pooh on the big screen was like spending time with a long time friend you have not seen in years.

Not even halfway through the movie, I was already shedding some tears when Christopher Robin had to go away to attend boarding school and he had an emotional conversation with Pooh in this place called the Hundred Acre Wood. After spending time with his friends and going on small and fun adventures with them, young Christopher Robin had to leave his friends behind. Pooh asked young Christopher if he would never forget him and he said he would never. Not even when he grew up to be a hundred. Which was kind of sweet.

Years had passed and Pooh would always wait for Christopher Robin to come out of the tree but he didn't. He grew up to be a married man with a daughter and now living in mid-century London dealing with adult life after having served in the British war. As an efficiency manager at Winslow Luggage, he juggles long hours in the office with his commitments at home as a husband and a father and has long forgotten the endless days of wonder and make-believe that defined his childhood. He seemed to have lost the joys of everyday life. Sooner than later, his past catches up with him when Pooh dropped him a visit to ask for his help finding his friends Eeyore, Tigger and Piglet. Christopher Robin then unwillingly is dragged to go back to his childhood place and the lessons of the story begins to unfold.

There are a couple of quotes that Pooh said in this movie that is inspiring and heartwarming and here are some of my favorite.

" I suppose it's right where it needs to be " -Winnie the Pooh

I am a firm believer of things happening for a reason. That the world plays things out as they are supposed to be. Life is certainly not fair, but sometimes it is right where it needs to be, even if we don't understand it at the time.

" I don't need one, but I would like one very, very much, please "- Winnie the Pooh

Think about it, there are so many things in life that we do not need. But what I loved about this quote is that Pooh acknowledges that he does not need it but rather, would like to have it. We need to stop overusing the term need and remember that most of the desires of our hearts are wants. If we stop mixing these words up, then we can realize that most of our desires are already met. In the movie, Christopher Robins ends up getting Pooh that red balloon that he ever so wanted and that became a part of his charming innocence.

" I always get to where I am going by walking away from where I have been "- Winnie the Pooh

Pooh does it again. His delicate words are simply stating the obvious but he finds a way to make it seem much more than that. To me, this quote is powerful because sometimes in life, you need to go in a different direction.If our situation isn't fulfilling,why would we stay there? If we are looking for change or growth, we need to walk away from the things that are holding us back. The path may be unpredictable and uncertain but the only way we can move forward is to walk away from your current situation and get to a new chapter in life by closing an old one.

Being present, appreciating every moment and cherishing the gifts of friendship love, family and the gift of today is a very wonderful lesson in this movie. Sometimes, the demands and chaos of life can overcome our priorities but we should never wish the days away and give up on the things that matter. We should be grateful about the things that we have and the blessings that come our way.

The inspiring life lessons of Christopher Robin are perfect for all ages and all walks of life. More than anything, this movie is a story of family and friendships and imagination. Those are some things we could all cherish a bit more. Congratulations and cheers to Disney for bringing the 'silly 'ol bear to life on the big screen for the world to enjoy.

Xoxo,

Karen