Last year when Costco sold “The Peanuts Holiday Collection,” I couldn’t help myself. I envisioned my boys and myself snuggled on the couch empathizing with Charlie Brown’s insecurities, absorbing the truth of the gospel as preached by Linus, and rejoicing as his friends recognize that Charlie Brown is much more than any of them believe.

Charlie Brown is part of who I am. Having grown up in Minnesota, I had the privilege of riding the rides at Camp Snoopy at the Mall of America before it became Nickelodeon whatever it’s called now. A few blocks from my house there is one of one hundred Peanuts statues that can be found across the Twin Cities.

When I saw the first movie poster for The Peanuts Movie I knew I would have to see it in the theatre. For the boys’ birthday party, I invited my entire family to come with us.

Jack "in character"

Jack “in character”

The Peanuts Movie did not disappoint. Magically, the producers recreated the essence of the comic strips and classic Charlie Brown movies of the past. Lines we all know and love like: “Ugh! I’ve been kissed by a dog! I have dog germs! ” did not sound canned, but were delivered fresh and new. True to their heritage.

“The Peanuts Movie” brought us along on the ride of Charlie Brown learning to believe in himself for the first time in his life – and everyone else believing in him too. His deep crush and absolute fear of the Little Red-Haired Girl brought me back to my childhood and my inability to even look at the boys I liked. The loyalty of Charlie Brown to his friends – and them to him – brought about all of the good feelings by the end of the film.

Snoopy has his own story line, created almost entirely like a silent film as he fights his nemesis the Red Baron in order to save his girlfriend, Fifi (arfs and sighs voiced by Kristin Chenoweth!). Charlie Brown’s best friend brings humor at just the right times and places, balancing the melancholy nature of the life of the main character.

But most of all, the message of goodness comes through. In a time when my kids are inundated by tv shows that preach action, adventure, and fighting. The Peanuts Movie brought us back to character. Charlie Brown is not loved for his flashy dance moves, straight As, or good looks. It’s Charlie Brown’s character that draws the kids – and us – to love him.

If you’re thinking of taking the kids to the movies this month, be sure to see “The Peanuts Movie.” We loved it and I hope you do too.

Let me know if you go!! I want to hear your favorite parts.