Classic remake

BEATRIX Potter’s classic modern makeover. Peter Rabbit, the mischievous and adventurous hero who has captivated generations of readers, now takes on the starring role of his own comedy with attitude.

In the film, Peter’s feud with Mr McGregor escalates to greater heights than ever before.

The hybrid of live action and animation is quite handsomely rendered and amusing.

Potter’s gently humorous prose and wondrous illustrations made her tales timeless.

The film, like the book, takes place mostly in England’s Lake District. And the production design has a picturesque quality that harks back to the world of Potter, whose drawings – echoed in animated sketches and paintings by the rabbits’ favourite human, Bea (played by actress Rose Byrne) – are given considerable screen time.

A free-spirited artist, Bea lives in a cottage next to old Mr McGregor, where she has befriended a rabbit named Peter (voice of James Corden), as well as his sisters Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail, along with their lopeared cousin Benjamin Bunny. Other Potter characters make cameo appearances, including the frog Jeremy Fisher and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle the hedgehog (pop star Sia).

All have been animated with furry warmth by Australian effects-house Animal Logic. Apart from the cheeky Peter, towards whose smartalecky, riffy chatter the film is clearly weighted, there’s a genuine sweetness and camaraderie among most of the animals.

Peter is first encountered as he’s racing towards McGregor’s garden with a raid in mind. When the narrator observes that Peter wears a blue coat – “and no pants” – it’s clear this isn’t your great-grandmother’s rabbit tale.

Long ago, Peter was warned by his mother to steer clear of McGregor’s garden, since Peter’s father was caught there and baked in a pie. But the danger-loving rabbit feasts on McGregor’s produce, until the old man comes after him with rake and hoe. Then McGregor suddenly drops dead. At Peter Rabbit’s invitation, all the wild creatures come to celebrate at his house. – The Washington Post

Peter Rabbit

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