The movie Peter Rabbit rolled into theaters adding a little spring to the winter months. The movie took the classic story of the rebellious Peter Rabbit tales written and published by Beatrix Potter in 1902, and turned it into a fun and lively movie for all ages. Though the film is directed towards younger audiences as it is rated PG, the cast included familiar faces for older viewers including star Rose Byrne who played Bea. Other well known actors such as James Corden, Sia, Daisy Ridley, and Margot Robbie voiced the animated characters in the film.

Director Will Gluck dives into the story of the mischievous Peter Rabbit (James Corden) as he plans to plot against his new neighbor, Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) who has stolen the attention of his human friend Bea (Rose Byrne). The story continues as he gathers his other four-legged friends in plans to overthrow McGregor who is attempting to exterminate all the animals from the garden. The animals team up to face off against McGregor as they are both fighting for the admiration of Bea.

Rose Byrne has played big roles in popular movies such as Helen in the cult-classic film Bridesmaids and Kelly in the popular comedy Neighbors. Her sarcastic humor and emotional acting definitely carried over into her role as Bea. She showcased her skills by playing the quirky, artistic girl who treated the garden animals as her pets and adored them. Her opposite, Domhnall Gleeson played the aggressive and angry Mr. McGregor. Mr. McGregor was the mean man who moved in next door and getting Bea to turn on the animals his sole purpose in life. The acting from both leads was solid and compelling and the both convinced you of the personalities and characteristics they had taken on.

While most scenes grabbed your attention and held you there, there were a couple instances where the fights between the animals and Mr. McGregor seemed redundant and appeared to drag on. Eventually it seems like the audience would grow tired of spending a good part of the film watching a rabbit outsmart a man. On the contrary, the acting from the leads grabbed your attention and the scenes between just Bea and Peter and likewise, Bea and McGregor, were well acted and really shined light on a connection between the characters.

The movie highlights the sticky relationship between the three that almost turns into an attention seeking love triangle. While Bea is partial to the animals, McGregor quickly sweeps her off her feet and attempts to portray the animals in a bad light in an effort to gain her love and attention. Bea is blindsided by the situation and cannot see that there is tension between McGregor and the animals.

The film is based off a children’s book and involves a lot of childish and playful elements, but by incorporating well known actors and having the movie not fully animated, the film successfully can entertain audiences of all ages. Younger viewers are able to enjoy the storyline and the animated characters will keep them interested while adult visitors can find humor in the quirky love triangle and the awkwardness of the whole situation

The plot was at most times captivating, the actors did a good job of connecting to the characters and the audience, and the film overall took you on a rollercoaster of tension, hope, and excitement.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐