Share

Watch It

On DVD: Now | On Blu-ray: Now

Winnie the Pooh Review

Movies.com Critics

4.5

Dave White Profile

Hundred Acres of Good Read full review

4.5

Grae Drake Profile

Sweet as Hunny Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 4.0
    74

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Generally favorable reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 67

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman

    In execution, it is charming...and also a little monotonous.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Variety Justin Chang

    The desire to stay true to what was lovable and enduring about the originals is palpable throughout, down to the amusing storybook conceit of having the characters interact not only with the narrator (voiced by John Cleese), but also with the letters and punctuation marks on the page.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Gary Goldstein

    It's predictable, painless, occasionally amusing fluff perked up by a clever visual interplay with the book text and John Cleese's avuncular narration.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter Todd McCarthy

    Little kids will enjoy it all, while parents, when not checking their cell phones, will be thankful for the thoughtfully brief running time.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    USA Today Scott Bowles

    Pooh succeeds by embracing much of what modern films (including Potter's) have largely forgotten: old-fashioned movie pleasures.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    The whole program could make a nice introduction to moviegoing for a small child.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    The New York Times A.O. Scott

    It is comfortable with itself and confident in its ability to amuse and beguile young viewers.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    Village Voice

    At barely over an hour, the film still overflows with musical charm, nostalgic wonder, and visual wit (characters literally interact with the words on Milne's pages). This one will make you feel eight years old again.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Winnie the Pooh reviews at Metacritic.com

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 3+

Adorable big-screen Pooh adaptation is short and sweet.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this big-screen take on Winnie the Pooh is as sweet and gentle as the original Disney cartoons, making it accessible for even the youngest movie-goers (and a fine pick for little ones' first movie). Preschoolers and early elementary-aged children may not understand the way the narrator speaks to the characters (who also interact with the letters and words on the screen), but it won't get in the way of their enjoyment. The sequence in which the mysterious "Backson" monster is described could mildly frighten some tots, but otherwise this is a faithful adaptation of A.A. Milne's classic tales.

  • Families can talk about the way the characters interact with the narrator and the words on the screen. How is this similar to the way the original books worked? Is it ever confusing?
  • Talk about personalities. All the animals have different personalities -- can you describe them? Do you know any people with similar characteristics?
  • Kids: Which character do you identify with the most? When you feel sad like Eeyore, what do you do?
  • How does this movie compare to other Pooh films and TV shows? Which do you like best, and why?

The good stuff
  • educationalvalue true1

    Educational value: Much more about entertainment than education, but kids do learn the value of friendship.

  • message true4

    Messages: Pooh and his friends offer a wonderful example of teamwork and collaboration. Their adventures teach kids about the importance of standing by your friends, being selfless, and being kind to others.

  • rolemodels true3

    Role models: Pooh realizes that helping others is even more important than eating honey. The friends band together to help both Eeyore and Christopher Robin. Kanga is kind and motherly, Rabbit is industrious and sensible, Piglet overcomes his considerable fears to go through the Wood alone, Owl always has a plan, and Tigger is bouncing and full of enthusiasm. On the other hand, Eeyore is pessimistic and gloomy.

What to watch for
  • violence false1

    Violence and scariness: The description of the "Backson" is humorous but may upset the most sensitive of young viewers. Pooh and his friends fall in the pit they dug to capture the Backson. Several pratfalls from all of the characters.

  • sex false0

    Sexy stuff: Not an issue

  • language false0

    Language: Not an issue

  • consumerism false2

    Consumerism: Disney has put plenty of Winnie the Pooh merchandise out there for kids.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false0

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue

Fan Reviews provided by

4

Fun movie for Pooh fans by moviemom326
I just took my 11 year old to see this today,yes, 11 year old! She has been a Pooh fanatic since she was a toddler.We enjoyed it,very cute story. The theater was full of kids,some were as old as my daughter but many were toddlers or younger.The only thing that disappointed me was the length of the movie,it was only a little over an hour long.Maybe long enough for toddlers to sit thru,but I.myself and the older kids wanted more movie.I went to the bargain early show,but if I had alot of kids to bring,it wouldn't be worth spending alot of money on all those movie tickets for an hour movie. You can always wait til it is available on dvd.If you have the money to spend or it is only the two of you and your child really wamts to see it,go, you will really enjoy it.

5

by newman_151

5

Winnie the Pooh review by luvWinniedaPooh4
This movie is soooo cute. I grew up watching Winnie the Pooh and I felt like I was saying goodbye to my childhood friend! :( I did cry and I would reccomend this to all kids and adults! When I went there was an elderly couple in there so it is really truly for everyone who loves Winnie the Pooh!

5

by jada101

4

Feels like an instant classic; only a bit too short. by mtknightdog
If the filmmakers had just spent a little extra time and added another 15-20 minute story arc it would have been perfect. Very charming family film.

5

New Winnie the Pooh will Capture You! by annaliz
I'm twenty years old and a die hard Pooh fan. I had to see this movie when it came out. When the opening started I knew I would love it, it was exactly like the old movies that came out when I was a kid. The non-spelled words the moment the movie opens instantly melted my heart. I had a problem at first liking some of the voices (Rabbit's especially), but as the movie progressed it gave them their own spice that each character needed. The drawing of the characters did bug me at first as well but the character lines soon made that wash into the back of my mind. The story line was perfect, espically with adding the little surprise at the end of the credits. It's Winnie the Pooh, it's for all ages who love a bear of very little brains. You'll defiently be 'back soon' once you see this movie once! Thank you Disney for letting our dear friend Winnie the Pooh come back to us!?

3

by froggiemonster14

5


Advertisement