#REVIEW: “PETER RABBIT

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Peter Rabbit is a hilarious and entertaining family Film.

Based on Beatrix Potter’s beloved Novel, Peter Rabbit (James Corden) lives with his sisters and cousin in the English countryside. When their elders die the kind Bea (Rose Byrne) cares for them and invites them into her home. They scrounge for food in the animal-hating Mr. McGregor’s (Sam Neill) garden stealing any fruits and vegetables they can. But these adventures often take a turn when McGregor continuously catches Peter, as he did Peter’s parents, and tries to kill him. But when McGregor suddenly dies, his high-strung nephew Thomas (Domhnall Gleeson) moves in. Therefore, causing another feud for Peter against another McGregor.

Director Will Gluck gleefully brings the lovable and energetic Peter to the big screen. Gluck’s decision to film Peter Rabbit as a live-action Film brings a realism that wouldn’t have succeeded had it been complete animation. Though based off of Potter’s Novel, there are changes back to update the dialogue and character-traits of the animals generations have fallen in love with. Gluck and Rob Lieber have changed the traditional language of the animals to speak with modern slang. Creating a Film that brings nostalgia for older generations but relevance to younger. He also creates anthropomorphic animals that are loveable and hilarious.

Yet, those animals wouldn’t be as adorable as they are if not for the voices behind them. Corden captures the fearlessness of Peter and his delivery is perfection. The rest of the voice cast is great, consisting off Margot Robbie, Sia, Fayssal Bazzi and Daisy Ridley. Byrne embodies the compassion and resoluteness of her character. But the real show stealer is Gleeson. He crafts an egomaniacal and prim McGregor. No matter how outrageous the situation, Gleeson is able to roll with the punches and make it all believable. This is Gleeson like we’ve never ever seen him before, and he steals every scene. Even against the ever charming Peter.

Overall, Peter Rabbit brings to life the rabbit many generations have fallen in love with.

Sony Pictures Canada release PETER RABBIT Friday, February 9, 2018.