Winnie the Pooh (2011)

"Artistic talent runs through my family. In fact, it practically stampedes."

Winnie the Pooh (Cummings) is out of honey again, and on his search for some, he runs into Eeyore (Luckey).  Eeyore has lost his tail, so Pooh and friends agree to look for a new tail and award the one that finds it with a jar of honey.  They all have good intentions, but can't seem to find the perfect tail.

The next day, Christopher Robin (Boulter) is missing.  He left a note behind, which is taken to Owl (Ferguson), since he can read.  Owl believes Christopher Robin was taken by the mischievous "Backson".  Rabbit (Kenny) forms a plan to trap the Backson and gets everyone to help.  Can they save Christopher Robin and find a tail for Eeyore?


After watching The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, I was interested to see the 2011 film Winnie the Pooh.  Would it keep the beauty and innocence of the original, or would they try to turn it into a computer animated mess?

My fears were immediately set aside as John Cleese started the traditional narration while panning across Christopher Robin's room.  They kept the book format, with the pages and words on the screen.  The story even began with the Sherman Brothers' (Robert Sherman and Richard Sherman) "Winnie the Pooh Theme", this time performed by Zooey Deschanel.

Deschanel performed many of the songs in the film.  Her group, She & Him contributed the song "So Long" which plays over the end credits.  The other original songs were written by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.

The film is short, featuring 2 major storylines (from 3 of A.A. Milne's stories), which should work well for children with short attention spans.  The animation is adorable and nostalgic.  The film was critically acclaimed, but some people felt the film dumbed down the characters.  I thought it was the right amount of ridiculous and simplistic, and children will enjoy it.  I applaud Disney for treating this film / character with such grace and love.  A cute little film!

Winnie the Pooh (2011) 73 minutes
Director: Stephen Anderson and Don Hall
Starring: John Cleese as Narrator
Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh / Tigger
Bud Luckey as Eeyore
Craig Ferguson as Owl
Jack Boulter as Christopher Robin
Travis Oates as Piglet
Kristen Anderson-Lopez as Kanga
Wyatt Dean Hall as Roo
Tom Kenny as Rabbit