So far this summer, I expect no film has produced as many happy, nostalgia tears as the Mr. Roger's biodoc, Won't You Be My Neighbor. Yet for many, the real tear duct control test comes next month with Disney's Christopher Robin. Ever since the first teaser trailer debuted for the live-action continuation of the Winnie the Pooh story, the overwhelming consensus has been that this movie is going to make a lot of people cry. That sentiment is only reinforced with the latest trailer, which shows some new footage and gives you plenty of reasons to smile through the tears. Check out the sneak peek of Christopher Robin below:
I don't know how you can watch this trailer without a smile on your face. The silly fun throughout is truly touching, and the sweet story and nostalgia for the characters ensures that countless millennials will be exiting the theater bleary-eyed after this film. The relationship between Christopher Robin and Pooh should be the heart of this film, and they're definitely the highlight of this trailer. The exchanges in the phone booth and on the train are hilarious and heartwarming. And unlike Hook (which Christopher Robin shares more than a few parallels with) Ewan McGregor's title character does not seem to be a jerk like Robin Williams' Peter. He is an adult, but he has not yet become cynical and he can't help but smile at his silly old friend, just as we can't help but tear up at their friendship.
Whenever Disney takes its beloved characters from animation to live action, it runs a serious risk of missing the mark and alienating audiences who grew up with them. Fortunately, this trailer continues to show that Christopher Robin will capture the spirit of these characters, and what made them such an integral part of so many childhoods in the first place. So many shots in this trailer look like they were taken straight from the books, films and cartoon appearances of Winnie the Pooh and Co. Hearing Jim Cummings' voice and the nostalgia for these characters is enough to ensure the happy tears will be flowing in Christopher Robin as it takes audiences back to the simplicity of childhood.
I also really appreciate that this movie seems to be a small story and no bigger than it needs to be. Christopher Robin appears to be a fun, silly adventure story but one with a deep emotional core about the things that really matter in life like family and friendship.
Christopher Robin opens in theaters and melts your heart on August 3rd. Remember to control your breathing, relax your facial expression and move your eyes to control your tears if you're trying to prevent crying. Although I think it may be futile with this one. Check out our release schedule for all of the biggest movies hitting theaters in the back half of the year.
