There is a certain delight in watching a picture in a cinema hall filled with happy kids. Their infectious laughter and uncontrollable giggling takes you back to a happy, fun-filled and innocent time devoid of gadgets, and is instead filled with colorful reading books and stuffed toys. And that is what you get in “Winnie The Pooh,” where directors Stephen Anderson and Don Hall used hand-drawn animations to narrate their story about Pooh, the lovable stuffed bear and his friends. The film has none of that glossy, over-the-top special effects. While the kids were clearly enjoying the film I noticed that so were the grown-ups. For a little over 60 minutes all you got was pure unadulterated fun.

A highlight of “Winnie The Pooh,” is the music. There are 6 songs with clever lyrics that blend in beautifully with the narrative. These are original songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez and Zooey Deschanel. “The Backson Song” by Craig Ferguson and cast needs a special mention.Perhaps, I found it natural that there were songs and music in the film because I grew up watching Indian (Bollywood) films that always have songs in them.

Pooh (Jim Cummings) wakes up one morning feeling hungry or as he puts it “rumbly in the tumbly,” and desperately needs some “huny.” He goes off in search of “huny” in the 100 Acre Wood and this when things start to unravel. He finds out that Eeyore’s (Bud Luckey) tail is missing and gets involved in finding him a new tail. But, every now and then Pooh is reminded of the “rumbly in the tumbly” and oh! how he so wants to get to that pot of “huny.” Things get a bit complicated when Pooh and the gang read a note from Christopher Robbins that leads them to believe that he has been captured by a horrible monster called “Backson.” Pooh and the gang Tigger (Jim Cummings), Piglet (Travis Oates), Rabbit (Tome Kenny) and Owl (Craig Ferguson) launch a search and rescue mission that does not quite pan out properly. Instead, it leads to lots of confusion. In the end Pooh and his gang succeed, and you will have to find out how when you see the film.

What made the film work is the wonderful combination of voiceovers from the actors Jim Cummings as the voice of Pooh and Tigger draws you into the narrative. Craig Ferguson is an absolute delight to hear in the film as the arrogant, I-know-it-all Owl.

The film is based on AA Milne’s book by the same name. Milne’s books were far popular popular in the USA in comparison to his home country – England.

“Winnie The Pooh” releases in the US on July 15, 2011.

Cast: John Cleese, Jim Cummings, Craig Ferguson, Tome Keey, Bud Lakey and Wyatt Hall.
Directors: Stephen Anderson and Anderson Hall