Winnie the Pooh (2011)

Growing up, I always loved that silly old bear. When I heard that Disney would be releasing a new theatrical Winnie the Pooh movie, I was very happy to know that my childhood would be restored. Unfortunately, I was unable to see the film in theaters and wasn't able to watch it until very recently.

I didn't have to pay to watch the film (thank you, Disney Channel!), although after seeing it I can safely say that I would have gladly paid for it. The film begins with the narrator reading from a classic Winnie the Pooh book, the way most of the Pooh movies do. As Pooh's story comes to life, we find Pooh in a bind: he's out of honey. As he goes in search of his sweet treat, we meet his many friends in the Hundred Acre Woods, including Eeyore, who has lost his tail once again. Owl devises a plan to help Eeyore find a new, better tail. The winner of said contest will win--surprise, surprise--a pot of honey. Pooh, after losing the contest, continues his hunt. He decides to ask Christopher Robin for some honey; instead he finds a note from C.R. Unable to read it, Pooh takes the note to Owl who concludes that poor C.R. has been kidnapped by the horrible Backson (when, in reality, the note reads "back soon"). The animals decide to save Christopher Robin from the awful creature and find themselves in a mess of trouble instead.

This movie wasn't just a trip down memory lane for me; I truly enjoyed the story and animation. I think Winnie the Pooh is one of those cartoons that can make anyone smile, young or old. In true Disney fashion, it teaches us the values of friendship and being selfless, while still managing to entertain. This brings me to my next point: the animation. The animation was wonderfully entertaining; I never thought I would see a movie that brings both books and chalkboards to life. The movie shows just how far we've come in animation, all while still having the classic "hand-drawn" feel of the old cartoons. The only bad thing I really have to say about the movie is that the songs were just a tad on the cheesy side, but what else would you expect from our friends in the Hundred Acre Woods?

Score: 10/10
Would recommend? Yes