All of the classic characters return in what amounts to a great reminder that Winnie the Pooh is one of Disney’s most enduring merchandising franchises. Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Tigger prepare a winter home for the cranky Eeyore. Everyone is doing their fair share except for Tigger, who does his usual bounce routine. Rabbit tells him to go find other “tiggers” to play with. This leads Tigger on an adventure in search of other tiggers. Of course, you know where exactly where this is leading – to a discovery of new characters for Disney to market and sell as action figures, plush toys, etc…
While it’s not nearly as bad as this description makes it sound, the modern Pooh cartoons can’t touch the solid storytelling and amazing animation of the Pooh films from the 60s. The vocal performances are nearly identical and not annoyingly bad like Pooh’s feces-laden Saturday morning effort, but what is really missing is the subtlety in the performances of these animated stuffed animals. Simply take a look at Pooh’s animated acting in front of a mirror in the old cartoons. Pooh believes he sees another bear and engages in a conversation. It’s smart and subtle. (And if you don’t think cartoon characters act, just try telling that to an animator poised in front of a mirror making facial expressions — cartoon characters act!) There’s not much like that here and where’s Pooh’s popgun? Have they passed new gun laws in the hundred acre wood? Perfect for the single-digit aged set, who will love it, and not terrible for adults since the film moves fast at a quick 75 minutes.
