Hop to it

The Peter Rabbit movie is a glorious adaptation of the treasured collection of books written by Beatrix Potter, and the cartoons and live action programs that have been aired since. This version offers a lot to be loved by children and children at heart, and is sure to be one that is affectionately watched many times over.

We begin with the frightening Mr. McGregor mowing his lawn as Peter and co are overcome with the need to break into his garden- mostly for the fun of it of course. Peter collects quite a salad before setting off a rabbit trap and Mr. McGregor along with it. What follows is quite funny to watch and reminiscent of so many scenes from the peter rabbit cartoons that we know and love.

Then, it happens. Mr. McGregor dies as a result of all the excitement (and perhaps a few other things), and the triumphant Peter announces that all of the animals are free to take their rightful place in the house, free to eat as many vegetables as they like and protected by their rabbit-loving neighbour, Bea.

Of course, if things were that simple, there would hardly be a story to tell, so there is very quickly trouble in the newfound burrow of Mr. Peter Rabbit.  Young Mr. McGregor (or Thomas), a distant relation to the elder, inherits the house. Thomas lives in London and loves his job at Harrods, until he misses the chance to be promoted because of a colleagues family connection, and he basically takes it all out on a teddy bear. The ‘good news is, there is a new house and potentially a new life waiting for him on the farm, not that he has much choice in the matter as he is “escorted” out by security.

When Thomas arrives at the farm, he is completely out of his element. His pristine life is suddenly full of dirt, half-eaten vegetables and wild life, and the battle between Thomas and Peter Rabbit begins- in private that is.

Thomas and Bea soon fall in love and begin a relationship that is really cute to watch, the only problem is, Bea thinks that Thomas loves the rabbits as much as she does, while he is setting up electric fences and explosives to get rid of them, so as you can imagine, things don't run smoothly for long.

The film is filled with references to the original stories and there are even moments where the old cartoons feature. There’s also a little bit of music but not too much, and it is incorporated in a very clever way. The moments of characteristic mischief are to be enjoyed just as much as the developing relationship between Bea and Thomas in what proves to be a heart warming tale.

5 out of 5

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