She’s baaaaaaaaaaack! Yes, that’s right, after a hiatus of a little over 2 years, the Margot Robbie filmography watch through is back! Picking up where we left off, I’m still trying to only do films of hers that are available to stream (looking at and waiting on you, Goodbye Christopher Robin) and this week we get one where she pulls double-duty. Let’s get right to it and dive into…Peter Rabbit (2018).
Title: Peter Rabbit
Director: Will Gluck
Released/Premiered: February 3, 2018 (Premiere – United States)
Runtime: 1 hour 33 minutes
Available to stream on: Netflix
Old Mr. McGregor (Sam Neill) cherishes his beloved garden. It is always full of fresh fruits and vegetables, much to the delight of Peter Rabbit (James Corden) and his friends. Living right next door to the garden, where they are lovingly watched over by Bea (Rose Byrne), provides ample temptation.
However, Peter knows all too well that Mr. McGregor keeps a close eye on his garden. In fact, Peter had the misfortune of watching Mr. McGregor capture his father and turn him into a pie.
Choosing to tempt fate, Peter decides to enter the garden. Fate strikes again as Mr. McGregor captures him. Luckily for Peter though, Mr. McGregor drops dead while holding Peter. While Peter thinks he is the one responsible for Mr. McGregor’s demise, our narrator (Margot Robbie, who also voices Flopsy) informs us that it was a lifetime of poor lifestyle choices that ultimately caught up to Mr. McGregor and caused his heart attack.
We next are introduced to Thomas McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) as he begins his day at work. While he thinks he is about to earn a promotion, he instead learns of his great uncle’s passing. He soon discovers that his great uncle also left him the property.
Will Thomas be any different than old Mr. McGregor?
Or will it be more of the same for Peter and his friends?
I, and probably the majority of you, can remember reading the Beatrix Potter short stories as a child. As a feature-length adaptation of a short story, Gluck and company inevitably took liberties along the way. That said, they never pushed their liberties too far.
The CGI brings the rabbits to life with impressive detail. However, some of the other animals (rooster and fox for example) don’t look as smooth and realistic.
Byrne is enjoyable as Bea and believable as a troubled artist type. Gleeson does well as the bad guy with emotional layers. The voice cast, including Margot, Elizabeth Debicki, Sia, and Daisy Ridley, among others, delivers just enough to get the job done, though none of them are memorable.
I am very well aware of the fact that I am not the target audience for this movie.
Yes, the story dives into darker moments, and yes, the humor feels forced in. But it also is cute enough to see why it was a box office success.
I find that I happen to enjoy most of the offerings from Sony Animation and Peter Rabbit (2018) is no different.
Well, how about you? Have you seen Peter Rabbit (2018)?
If so, leave a comment below or reach out on Bluesky and let me hear your thoughts!
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