Winnie the Pooh (2011)

"Deep in the hundred acre woods . . ."

There have been many recreations of A.A. Milne's "bear of very little brain" over the years. From the deeply philosophcal, to the gratingly commercial, Winnie the Pooh has squeezed his way into every cultural corner.

Sadly it has seemed that the recent animations have gotten further and further from the original story and characters. Up till now, only Disney's 1977, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, seemed to have retained the flavor of Milne's books. This newest installment is a breath of fresh air. The animators returned to the original pen and ink stye of the 1977 movie, ressurecting its storybook feel. They also allowed Pooh to interact with the narrator and the "book" itself. The words on the page are often a part of the action of the movie.

The casting of Winnie the Pooh was well done. It took some adjusting to hear Craig Ferguson as Owl, but he brought the proper pomposity to the character. Zooey Deschanel also has the perfect voice--full of childlike whimsy-- to recreate the theme song.

Winnie the Pooh, like the books from which its characters sprang, is multilayered. While there is plenty of silly business for all ages, there are bits of humor that are clearly meant for adults. My daughter is grown and far away, so just my husband and I attended this movie. We both thoroughly enjoyed it, even without a little one in tow.

So whether you want to see a great family movie, or step back into a childhood favorite, I recommend Winnie the Pooh. Oh , and Word to the wise, STAY FOR THE CREDITS. They are a lovely endpiece to the movie.