Cringe

For someone who knows a little bit about Peanuts history, it can be frustrating to see a popular piece that expands little facts into bigger fictions, as with the Good Morning America piece ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ to Turn 50.

Yes, the original special did incorporate the Coca-Cola name on screen. No, the product was not invoked throughout the special as this claims – it was twice, once at the beginning, once at the end. Just the two times that they show in the story (which is the only reason I’d recommend this piece, for those of you who have not seen those clips.) Peanuts animation specialist Scott McGuire covers that well in this blog post.

And while it may have been cute to include a five year old to end the piece, you should not claim that the child knows the true meaning of the special when she says  “It’s about sharing!” No, it’s not. Really, about the only sharing that goes on is when Snoopy’s decorations get “shared” with the pathetic tree… and it’s not Snoopy that does the sharing (the gang strip his prize-winning house decorations and transfer them to the tree while he’s out of frame.)

If you want to know what A Charlie Brown Christmas is all about… ask Linus.

Animated Peanuts
New Peanuts feature film on the way

Apple, who have been producing Peanuts series and specials in plentitude, have announced that they, Wildbrain, and Peanuts Worldwide are working together on a new Peanuts feature-length film, the Hollywood Reporter notes. If you liked the last feature film, then this should be very good news. They’re using a story …

Animated Peanuts
Beagle Scout missions

Those of you who have never been to the San Diego Comic-Con (or who haven’t been in a the past couple decades) may not realize that the event goes well beyond the convention center. For blocks around, there are pop-up shops in unused storefronts, studios creating fan “experiences” in parking …

Animated Peanuts
Bulk book

What do I have to say about the new board book edition of It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. I mean, the reading experience of being told “and that happens at every door. All the other kids get wonderful treats like candy, gum, and popcorn balls … and Charlie Brown …