Mr. Peabody & Sherman

Mr. Peabody & Sherman is a beloved 2014 animated adventure-comedy film, directed by Rob Minkoff and impeccably written by Craig Wright. It stars the versatile Ty Burrell as the voice of Mr. Peabody, the dog, and Max Charles, lending his voice for Sherman, the little boy. The movie also features prominent voices such as Ariel Winter, Stephen Colbert, Leslie Mann, and Allison Janney in pivotal roles. This flick pays homage to Jay Ward's classic 1960's animated television series, "Peabody's Improbable History," and is a brilliantly executed modern reinvention that incorporates time travel, history, and diverse cultures into its narrative.

The movie revolves around the unusually endearing parent-child relationship between Mr. Peabody, the most intelligent dog in the world and his adopted human son, Sherman. Utilizing his genius, Mr. Peabody has invented a remarkable time machine known as the "WABAC" ("Wayback"). They use it to venture through time, witnessing historical events, and interacting with some of history's most influential figures. These educational exploits serve as an unconventional tool for teaching Sherman about the world's history and human nature.

However, things take a chaotic turn when Sherman attends his first day of school and lands in trouble when he accurately and specifically corrects Penny, a classmate, on historical facts, facts that he mentions casually due to his irregular time-travel experiences. This escalates into a confrontation that puts Mr. Peabody's unconventional parenting under scrutiny. Consequently, Sherman and Penny, an adventurous and assertive girl voiced by Arielle Winter, find themselves using the WABAC without Mr. Peabody's knowledge, leading to a series of misadventures where the continuity of history is disastrously disrupted.

Ty Burrell brings life to the character of Mr. Peabody using his voice, capturing the essence of an intellectually superior canine who has an enduring love and concern for his adopted son. He exudes charm, wit, and sophistication, with a touch of nerdy humor, making Mr. Peabody a character worth rooting for. Max Charles, voicing Sherman, provides an equally heart-winning performance. He perfectly captures Sherman’s childlike innocence, curiosity, and quick mind, creating an intricate layer to his character.

The voice cast also boasts Stephen Colbert and Leslie Mann, who voice Penny’s image-conscious and upper-crust parents. Their performances lend humor and character to the Petersons. Allison Janney voices Ms. Grunion, a stern and ruthless child services inspector, breathing life into a memorable antagonist.

Rob Minkoff, known for his works like "The Lion King" and "Stuart Little," skillfully injects the movie with a mix of engaging visual sequences and poignant emotional moments. The film seamlessly blends historical elements throughout the plot, providing educational snippets while also packing in the heart, humor and energy that keeps kids and adults alike engaged.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman successfully retains the charm and wit of the original series while coming up with its imaginative spin. The blend of Sparx's cutting-edge CGI animation enhances the movie's appeal, rendering it both visually stunning and impactful.

Noteworthy is the film's ability to depict the cross-species father-son bond sincerely, which is the heart of this movie. It effortlessly tugs at the heartstrings while delivering laugh-out-loud moments. Moreover, it offers subtle yet thought-provoking insights into parenting, individuality, acceptance, and friendship that resonate with viewers of all ages.

Overall, "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" is more than just a child's movie. It's an exhilarating ride through various eras of history, an emotional parent-child tale, and a subtle social commentary rolled into a beautiful package. It's a movie that urges you to venture on a vibrant journey across time and space, bringing to you a concoction of humor, adventure, and heart-warming moments. Perfect for a family watch, this flick strikes a successful balance between education and entertainment.