DreamWorks Animation tends to gear their animation towards kids. As a result, bathroom humor and colors tend to dominate their stories. Mr. Peabody & Sherman is more the exception than the rule (see also: How to Train Your Dragon). The movie based on an old cartoon combines education and animation in a really fun and surprisingly emotional way. Mr. Peabody & Sherman isn’t perfect, but it is a very good kids movie that adults can enjoy as well.
Mr. Peabody (Ty Burrell) is the smartest dog and creature on the planet. After solving many of the world’s problems, Peabody decides to adopt a boy named Sherman (Max Charles). The pair go on several historical adventures to learn about history/science, etc using the Way Back, a time travel device invented by Mr. Peabody. Things start to go badly when Sherman takes Penny (Ariel Winter) into the Way Back after she bullies him at school; together, they disrupt the space time continuum. In addition, Mr. Peabody’s parenting credentials are questioned by Penny’s parents (Stephen Colbert and Leslie Mann) and DCFS rep Ms. Grunion (Allison Janney).
Mr. Peabody & Sherman makes education fun for EVERYONE. Sure, kids will learn a lot through Sesame Street or the Wiggles or some other program designed for them, but adults usually glaze over during that time. Mr. Peabody is an avid supporter of knowledge in science, history, and sport. To teach Sherman lessons, he uses his education to engage in chases, parties and other ways that make history come alive for Sherman. So often in kids movies, the storytellers try to talk down to the kids to make the lessons easier for them to understand. Mr. Peabody & Sherman uses historical characters like Leonardo Da Vinci and King Tut to teach kids about lessons in parenting and tolerance. The movie is a double whammy of education that is rarely seen on the big screen.
In addition, the first act of Mr. Peabody & Sherman attaches some emotional heft to supremely fun material. A cute backstory montage should bring you close to tears as we learn the origins of Mr. Peabody & Sherman’s relationship. Each little time travel trip, Sherman makes some sort of mistake, but Mr. Peabody never condescendingly scolds the child. When he does lash out at Sherman, it comes out of love, not anger, which hits kids and parents equally. In addition, the non-traditional family question (similar to what is going on in the US) is brought up by the DCFS rep. The third act was all set up to be a great climax showing how Sherman stands up for Peabody by using the education the dog taught him. However, the time travel parts of the story force the plot in that direction, which results in really cool special effects but a diluted emotional payoff.
The voice acting isn’t A list but fits nicely. Ty Burrell is great for Peabody: he can deliver a cheesy pun better than most other actors (check him out on Modern Family). Max Charles sells Sherman’s innocence well. Ariel Winter (also from Modern Family) is perky but a little to shrill as Penny. Stephen Colbert, Leslie Mann, Allison Janney, and Dennis Haysbert, among others, provide energetic support to the story without distracting with a crazy voice.
I hope Mr. Peabody & Sherman makes a lot of money. It is a wonderful mix of education and animation. I left reminded of how a good family film can learn from history to teach kids lessons while entertaining adults in the process. If you need to brush up on ancient history, enjoy talking dogs, or come from a non-traditional family, Mr. Peabody & Sherman is right up your alley.