(SPOILER WARNING!!! This article does contain spoilers, if you haven’t seen the movie, just see the first paragraph to be informed without spoilers!!!)

Mr. Peabody and Sherman is a fun and intelligently written movie to watch for both children and parents. It gives a great look back on history, and a good message of family. Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars.

When I was a kid, I remember very vividly the old 60’s cartoons of Peabody and Sherman from the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. From what I remember, they always go back in time to relive a historical moment and/or a historical figure. It was interesting in learning about history watching this cartoon, but sometimes the 60’s can be too old school for a kid born in the 80’s. So I was interested to see what this new movie from the classic cartoon has to offer. With the graphics and what not, it definitely was a boost up from the original, but keeping it’s original core of story and character development. Turns out to be be fun to watch, and I will start with what I liked, to the so-so, and to what I didn’t like.

What I liked, as I said before I liked how this was a great upgrade from the original, but kept the inner core of story and character. With the direction of Rob Minkoff, I knew we were in for a treat graphically. I liked the intelligent writing they put in for the story. They put in a lot of scientific and mathematical dialogue to show the intelligence of Mr. Peabody and in some cases Sherman. I liked how they showed Mr. Peabody’s intelligence for the kids, and I hope it inspires them to become the best intellectually. The dialogue in this film had me with some memorable funny quotes like: “I don’t like this dog, he’s too sarcastic,” and “I have a deep regard for you too.” Both of these quotes were part of the the character development with Mr. Peabody a dog who was very intelligent and became a respected person with all the things he did for the world. It also showed how he wasn’t a people’s person, until one day he found a baby Sherman in an alley. This was his turning point to become a people’s person by adopting him as his son. In a way Sherman fills his empty void, which is love. I thought Ty Burrell was on point voicing Mr. Peabody just like the old cartoon. As for Sherman, voiced by Max Charles, he is just a kid (that’s why he can get into trouble) that has been taught well by Mr. Peabody with knowledge, especially in history, and enjoys every minute of it. I loved how they go on adventures and reliving history with their WABAC, and meeting these historical figures. They may catch up with some trouble, but it seems that Mr. Peabody has everything under control. The lightheartedness of each period in history shows that as people, they were not that different. I loved the voices of Stanley Tucci and Patrick Warburton as Leonardo DaVinci and King Agamemnon, they added different flavors of characters in the movie.The Petersons were definitely a family where really the mom stays consistent with her personality, voiced by Leslie Mann, but her husband took a while to change his way of thinking, voiced by Stephen Colbert on thinking about Mr. Peabody and Sherman. As for their daughter Penny, voiced by Ariel Winter, she started off as a spoiled bully to Sherman, most out of jealousy, to seeing the true potential of what Sherman can be. Penny was the major factor in Sherman really realizing his true potential.

What I thought was so-so in the movie was the conflict of Mr. Peabody as a dog adopting a human baby. If they already have a dog that could talk and graduate from Harvard, is it really an issue for him to adopt. It was a conflict that was needed in my opinion, but it worked well with the story. It did create a minor antagonist with Mrs. Grunion, voiced by Allison Janney, trying to find an excuse to take Sherman away from Mr. Peabody. She just came off as annoying and really bigoted to dogs. The other thing in this movie is the toilet humor was a little extreme, but  for kids, they do get a kick out of it I guess.

What I didn’t like, I thought the final scene with the whole time vortex appearing, and threatening to destroy the world was a little out of order in what the real story is trying to say. I guess they needed to add a hero type of thing in this movie, and involving all the historical characters portrayed in the movie. In the end it worked out well, but it did deviate from the real story they are trying to say. Also, with everything that happened that can alter history, there is no such thing as a butterfly effect. i guess not, or it can be too confusing for the kids. Just thought it was a little illogical for an intelligent film.

Overall, all the story loopholes and all it was still a fun film to watch for people of all ages. It can make you learn or be reminded of the important events in history and the importance of historical figures. It also had a hidden message of family love. Meaning no matter who or what is your parent or child, family and love is what counts the most. I believe I have a deep regard that there will be a sequel for this movie. I hope they continue on exploring new periods in history with new adventures!!! Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars.