Life Lessons from Winnie the Pooh | Christopher Robin Movie Review

We were able to watch an early screening of Disney's newest film, Christopher Robin. As a long time Winnie the Pooh fan, specifically T-I-double-G-errr, I couldn't wait to see my childhood friends back on the screen in their first live-action, plush-action?, movie. Just watching the trailers, I had a feeling this one would hit home, similarly to Saving Mr. Banks, for the parents in the audience. I wasn't wrong.

Christopher Robin Movie Review

You know it's a great film when everyone leaves the theater feeling positive and uplifted. It is heart warming, funny, and takes you back to being a child again. And if you pay close attention, we can all learn a lot from that Silly Old Bear.

Christopher has grown up, and like most grown ups has lost sight of what is truly important in life. The people and in this case, the animal friends you made as a boy. Almost as if he senses it, Winnie the Pooh finds his long lost Christopher Robin. He needs his help to find all his friends who are lost in the 100 Acre Wood. Robin thinks he has cracked but eventually realizes Pooh is actually there, and in order to get back to his oh-so important job, he will have to quickly help Pooh.

Along the way, Christopher learns a lot. And we can too, if we are open enough to absorb and embrace the messages.

Life Lessons from Winnie the Pooh in Christopher Robin

“Doing nothing, often leads to the very best something.”

At first, to an adult, that statement doesn't make any sense. You have to do something. Nothing comes to you if you do nothing. But to a child, it makes perfect sense. After reflecting on that, Christopher Robin and myself, realized it's a true statement. Sometimes the very best ideas, memories, experiences, happen when I'm not trying to do anything.

“Your life is happening right now, in front of you.”

Ouch. This one hurt a lot of the adults in the room. How often are we caught up in work that we forget to live our life? My grandmother always said, “there is no sense in working hard and not enjoying life. Work hard but also take time for yourself. You need it.” I think she would have really loved this movie.

“It's not stress, it's Pooh.”

In a world of Woozels, be a Pooh. Woozels are creatures that steal happiness. There are a lot of Woozels in our lives, we need to watch out for them. And if possible, cut them loose.

In one scene, Christopher Robin “spears” his very important briefcase. He was pretending it was a Heffalump (another stealer of joy). It was symbolic moment. We need to spear our phones, computers, tablets, what have you, before they overtake us and ruin our happiness. Stop looking down at something and start looking around. Remember what it is like to experience the world and regain your sense of wonder.

Laugh, have fun, be silly, dance.

Circumstances come into our lives and affect us. Sometimes for the good but a lot of times for the worse. They can rob us of our silliness, our joy, and wonder. In turn we can start to affect our children and those around us in the same way, bringing them down instead of lifting them up.

Happiness can be as simple as a red balloon.

When did we decide happiness was complicated or tied up in some unattainable goal? When Winnie loses his balloon, he is sad. Christopher says what every parent has said in that situation “You don't need it anymore.” Pooh replies “But it did make me happy.”

Find happiness in the little things whether that be a red balloon, a pot of honey, or snuggles on the couch with your kids.

“You're Christopher Robin.”

Sometimes we can forget who we are. But those around us, who love us deeply can see us when we can't see ourselves. Stick close to people who know the real you and can help you bring out the best in yourself.

Is Christopher Robin Family Friendly?

Yes. It is a little slow on action in the beginning as we get the backstory to Christopher Robin and how he became to be a joyless, despairing adult. But if your child did well sitting through Paddington, then they will do fine with this film.

No adult language or jokes. Just clean, classic Disney fun. It may induce some tears, and yeah I'm talking to you adults!