Mr. Peabody is the talking dog who also happens to be a nobel laureate, explorer, Olympic Gold Medalist and gourmand. After finding an abandoned human baby, he successfully petitions to adopt the child and raise him as his own. Now Sherman is about to go to school for the first time, and the smartest dog in the world is going to have a few problems, including a vengeful CPS worker, a schoolyard bully, and a wayward time machine.

I’ll admit to some trepidation prior to watching this. I’m not familiar with source material, beyond a few random episodes I watched in the week before attending the screening and a one-off gag in the Simpsons. Those doubts were laid entirely to rest in the film’s thrilling opening sequence, a jaw-dropping chase through revolutionary France, and further interred as the movie progressed through Ancient Egypt, Renaissance Italy and the Battle of Troy.

I was concerned that one segment may overshadow another (an entire movie could have been set during any one of the historical periods visited) but director Rob Minkoff (who also brought us The Lion King) makes every period distinct and equally important, and even keeps the terrible puns from the original. Ty Burrell hits the role of Peabody perfectly, both stern and loving, a serious scientist and a lighthearted adventurer, casually duelling Maximilien de Robespierre in the sewers and debating with Da Vinci about fatherhood. Max Charles does a great job as Sherman, capturing Sherman’s awe and respect for Peabody, while Ariel Winter does the spoiled brat Penny with just enough sneer and childishness to make it work.

From moonlit chases to a thrilling flight through Renaissance Florence, Mr Peabody is exciting and funny, a perfect kids movie.

– Donal O’Connor

CLASSIC MR. PEABODY

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