Charlie Brown

‘It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown’ is a delightful new Peanuts special

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

In a new special with the delightful peanuts gang, sibling relationships are front and center. It’s spring and that means baseball season for us, but it’s the end of the season for Charlie Brown and his team. They are set to play the championship game against Peppermint Patty’s team and are practicing with great intensity. Will this be the year they win?

Charlie Brown’s little sister Sally reminds him that she just turned five and he promised she could join the team when she is five. Of course he wants to honor his promise, but as hard as she tries, Sally is still too little to accomplish anything in the game. Feeling dejected the little girl befriends a single dandelion and takes it under her wing. She promises it she will take care of it. But the problem is the “flower” is smack dab in the middle of the pitcher’s mound.

Sally refuses to renege on her promise to the flower. This puts her big brother in a difficult situation. Is his allegiance with his little sister or the baseball team?

 

This is truly a sweet story bringing together all of the Peanuts gang. It highlights the bond between siblings. And, as a bonus to this storyline, the team is left with something to be proud of. Yes, little Sally has taught them all to love nature, no matter how insignificant one little weed (or as Sally calls her, her little flower) might be.

With a new song by Ben Folds, this movie is definitely an instant classic in the Peanuts franchise. Join Charlie and Sally Brown, Lucy and Linus van Pelt, Schroeder, Pig Pen, Patty, Violet, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Franklin, Frieda, Snoopy, Woodstock, Shermy and the whole gang as they celebrate love, family, and nature.

 

It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown premieres April 15, 2022 on Apple TV+.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Courtesy photo from Apple TV+

‘Peanuts by Schulz: School Days’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

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The newest compilation of classic Peanuts antics includes plenty of Peanutty fun with the entire gang. There are dozens of little vignettes showing off the adorable little tykes in all their glory.

“This new collection of Peanuts short cartoons revolves around the classic school theme and will appeal to viewers of all ages,” said Mary Ellen Tomas, Vice President Family & Animation Marketing. “This beautiful new series is a celebration of Charles Schulz’s beloved original comic strip. It’s comprised of animated vignettes derived directly from his newspaper strips.”

The two disc set is packed full of situations that show off the wit, wisdom, and sheer entertainment of the whole Peanuts gang.

Linus is smitten with his teacher and when she retires he is devastated. Frieda is introduced to Charlie Brown and the rest of the kids and proceeds to annoy them with her constant chatter and her pride in her “naturally curly hair.” She also pesters them to hold her cat when she goes to the store or the library. That lazy cat doesn’t like to get his feet dirty! And then she tries to get Snoopy to hunt rabbits.

Lucy is fed up with Linus’ blanket and locks it in the closet for two weeks. Can the little fellow go that long without his security blanket without cracking up?

And when their baby brother Rerun is born, Linus and Lucy find his constant crying a nuisance. This poor little kid is happiest when he’s with Snoopy. When his mother takes him on her bike, Rerun is less than thrilled with the dangers that face them while riding around. And when it’s time to go to kindergarten, Rerun decides he doesn’t want to go, however Lucy insists he get on the bus and go to school. She is always a bossy – but caring – big sister.

Those are just a few of the many situations from this delightful gang of kids. They are always good for a laugh.

Parents don’t have to worry about their kids when these discs are being played. They are filled with plenty of wholesome and delightful antics and adults will enjoy watching them as well. After all, we have all grown up with Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang. Watching these vignettes from the strips brings back memories.

The DVDs contain 19 episodes, each with several vignettes peppered with short activities with Snoopy and Woodstock. So, who’s your favorite member of the gang? I’ve always been partial to Sally. Although I do enjoy Linus. And Schroeder is always good for some fun. I cannot forget Pig Pen. And Charlie Brown is so sweet. Lucy, Peppermint Patty, and everyone else have entertained me for decades. It’s hard to choose a favorite. They’re all adorable.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Charlie Brown’s All Stars!’ 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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Join Charlie Brown and the whole Peanuts gang for two fun shows with all the laughs and love associated with these little kids. This DVD includes both the TV special “Charlie Brown’s All Stars,” remastered in high definition, and “A Charlie Brown Celebration.”

In “Charlie Brown’s All Stars,” the gang is frustrated that their baseball team never wins a game. As manager and pitcher, Charlie Brown feels the grief of his players and then faces a mutiny when they all quit the team. They would rather spend their summer doing something other than losing!

Then Charlie Brown receives an offer from a local businessman. He will sponsor the team and supply uniforms for all the players. This is enough to get all the gang back on the field. With the promise of uniforms, they feel they might have a chance to possibly win some games. But when he is informed in order to play in the league he has to fire Snoopy and all the girls, Charlie Brown decides to decline the offer of sponsorship and uniforms.

When the team hears that good ol’ Charlie Brown turned down the uniforms, they once again quit the team. Then Linus tells them that Charlie Brown was only thinking about them. He didn’t want to split up his team. The whole gang gets together to show Charlie Brown they understand and do care about him, and make him his own uniform…out of Linus’ blanket!

“A Charlie Brown Celebration” is a 1982 film introduced by Charles Schultz. It is a compilation of little vignettes bringing all the gang together in different stories, most of which revolve around school.

The Peanuts kids have been part of our lives for well over 50 years. They have entertained readers and viewers with their antics and some wackiness. They make us laugh, sniffle, and always smile. Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally, Peppermint Patty, Snoopy, Pig Pen, Franklin, Violet, Frieda, and the whole group are part of our history and will always remain part of pop culture.

This DVD is not rated however it is a great disc to share with the entire family. Grab some popcorn and watch Good Ol’ Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang get through life’s little problems with wit, fun, and friendship.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter