Happiness Is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown (Video 2011) Poster

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7/10
Very interesting, and worth seeing
jdollak1 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
First, I'll get all the good stuff out of the way. I love the animation. They retain most of the elements that make the Peanuts specials look the way they do. They enhance the style with a few things that are truly spectacular. There are far more shots the utilize a greater sense of perspective. The animation for talking is much more realistic, and Snoopy has some really great animations, making him a little less human, and a bit more dog. This makes him more endearing. Seeing the Peanuts universe in widescreen adds a lot of depth to the experience. Combined with the absence of adults (none of the story takes place at school) there's a greater sense of the world that the kids live in. There are some very enjoyable gags recreated for the story, including the first strip. The story seems a little more adult. While there's a whole lot of jumping around from vignette to vignette, the overall story deals with security, and Linus has a spectacular monologue near the end where he points out the reliance of most of the other characters on their crutches. While this is not of much interest to kids, it seemed surprisingly powerful material for adults.

The negative elements, and there are a few, but they aren't deal-breakers. The voices aren't quite right. For most of the characters, it doesn't seem too bad. Lucy seemed notably off, though. Lucy seems more cruel than usual. A little less passively mean than she usually was, and a little more outwardly so. The special is more scattered than it should be. Most of the time, I don't mind this, but one instance really was annoying; we see Lucy playing checkers with Violet. Then the action follows Linus outside. We see Lucy skipping rope past him. Then the shot switches back to Lucy being back inside, still playing checkers.

I have doubts that this special will be of as much interest to children as it will to adults. But I don't think that's a bad thing. The depth of the program will make it more suitable for children who are growing up.
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6/10
Happiness is Mediocre, Charlie Brown
Spritedude2324 November 2011
Let me say first off that I am a huge Peanuts fan. I've followed them since early childhood and it is still deeply rooted into my character. But there was a lot of strange elements about this special that really irked me.

My biggest problem was Linus himself. He didn't seem like the intelligent, spiritually-savvy kid he had been throughout the comics and many of the specials. Instead he seemed very angry, rather short tempered and seemed different in a very non-refreshing way. But out of all of the things that made me cringe about him, the biggest was towards the end where he exclaimed: "DO YOU WANT ME TO END UP LIKE CHARLIE BROWN?!?"

Ouch.

Which brings up another point of mine: Charlie Brown himself. It seemed that the Peanuts Gang was being especially rude and cold-hearted to good old Chuck. I felt genuinely bad for him, which detracted a lot from the main premise of the feature.

Now, all that out of the way, I must add in some of the pros, because there were many. I think that the art in this special shone. There was one scene where Linus was standing in a field looking up at the sky for his blanket (which had been turned into a kite and flew away) while the sun set. It gave me the chills. Linus is my favorite character and it displayed him as the philosophical and wise character we all know. The art direction really suggested a back-to-basics sort of feel, very retro, and very different...and very cool.

I especially enjoyed the usage of Charles M. Schultz's comics. They were engraved into some of the writing, and the majority of the plot.

All in all, it turned out to be a very mediocre hour for me. Part of it screamed "THIS IS GREAT" but the other, "Yikes."

In the words of Linus: "It has its drawbacks."
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7/10
old fashion Peanuts
SnoopyStyle21 February 2016
Lucy tells her brother Linus that their grandma is coming to take away his blanket. Charlie Brown isn't much help. Linus is so desperate that he asks psychiatrist Lucy for help which only leads to her many cruel tactics. Snoopy has his eye on Linus' blanket. Linus can't kick his blanket habit but he points out that everybody has their own unique crutch.

I love the old fashion style that is reminiscent of the best Peanuts cartoon specials. It's a little disjointed at times but that's fine for Peanuts. Pig-pen is here in this one along with all the main characters. It's too bad that my favorites Peppermint Patty and Marcie aren't around. They don't have the needed aspect connected with this concept. Linus' blanket is a classic concept. This special tackles it from an interesting angle. It gets a little dark at times but there is plenty of fun. This is a solid addition to the great Peanuts lineup.
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6/10
Helpful Tips for next Movies
lisakirk1235 August 2012
Movie needs more love-laced scenes from all of the characters making an effort in their lives, like real people.

When I chose to view the movie, your DVD cover art of Linus hugging Snoopy had me hoping for a lot more cozy heartwarming scenes. More hugs, more tea parties or the like, more laughs, more sweet acts of helping each other out as neighbors. Maybe even community dances, walks in park, sports scenes (ski?).. creative thoughts here.

The movie was enjoyable, you guys worked so very hard and it shows!! I hope Lucy and Snoopy (I don't remember Snoopy having the vicious eye look which is not a good movie memory and makes me think twice if I want to see the next movie) and Schroeder's character's will not be quite so mean to one another in future films, (that I hope you make) but everyone will display a moral code of integrity and gentleness trying and including more acts of kindness and joy! Maybe Charlie Brown smiles on occasion with a couple nice achievements in his life every so often. Don't forget to include Snoopy's 'joy dance' reflecting good things that happen to him and his friends!! Maybe Schroeder and Lucy can be a lot more civil as well as Linus and Sally toward one another - as many people relate to these relationships also and most likely hope for guidance similar to Mr. Schulz's original "Peanuts" movies.

Best Wishes!!
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10/10
Happiness Is A Warm Comeback!
jonathan-19745 April 2011
I must admit I was a bit dubious about this new special for it was the 1st one without the great and late Bill Melendez. It seems Lee Mendelson was not involved either, but Schulz' son was. This one stood out from all the other post-Schulz era specials for its '60s style. As a comic-strip fan I appreciate attention to detail. The "classic" effect obtained through the retro animation worked out pretty well, bringing some nostalgia. The story development was somewhat modern, deeper, beyond previous attempts, and yet kept all the action faithful to the Peanuts world and spirit. The gags were delightfully funny, they cracked me up quite a few times. I simply loved the use of one of the most famous Beethoven symphonies, but I won't spoil it for you. Not only the music, but the way they managed to create a matching animated treat, was indeed a creative highlight.

The color tones used according to mood, the "reaction" of some cards to Linus' feelings, and flashbacks to the very first specials truly shone.

The plot might not be complex. However, by using the well-known blanket attachment issues Linus has, they address the insecurity most of the other characters have, their human weakness, which is not to plainly be criticized, but rather accepted as a natural part of life.

Another remarkable element was the comeback of some old characters that had not gotten much attention over the years. Again, an interesting addition for all the fans, in an already captivating special that has enough quality potential to be considered an instant Peanuts classic.

Growing up was never as bittersweet, and as thoroughly enjoyable as doing it along Linus, Snoopy, good ol' Charlie Brown, and the rest of the gang!
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10/10
The Best Film In Peanuts Franchise
FilmMan4714 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
if you know about the old comic strips in news papers you will remember the whole thing peanuts is a big franchise since 1950s it was created by Charles.M.Shulz i myself have not read those comic strips the reason is i don't live in states but heard about it since 90s & saw it first on snoopy ice cream parlor in Karachi don't know if the parlor is in other countries or not now i have given another look on the series it made me interested in it the comic strips & short films are most famous worldwide there are many before this but this one is the best released in 2011 for TV audiences.

the plot:Linus is afraid that his grandma is coming to visit & lovely warm blanket will be taken away but he does not realize that it is a lie told by Lucy.

it is the kind of film that one can relate to even if your an adult or older person it something favorite is taken away from you or gets lost you can go mad so its not only about the kids anyone can face this type of problem the way Linus is after his blanket is just awesome to see it made me smile it;s quite nostalgic.

Charlie Brown appears in this film along with other characters like snoopy the famous dog but it focus more on Linus & his insecurities & the problems he faces, i have to say this has become my most favorite animated film of all time the voice acting can be annoying for some people it will not overshadow the entertainment factor present here.

Overall Happiness Is A Warm Blanket,Charlie Brown 2011 is an amazing film for everyone to enjoy my rating is 10/10:recommended.
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10/10
Happiness Is a Warm Return!
Jace_the_Peanuts_Fan13 March 2024
I was 7 years old when this came out, and I was excited to get the DVD, but it took a couple months for my family and I to find it. I watched this countless times, and it has been one of my favorite movies ever since the first time I ever watched it. If you're wondering, yes, I still have my DVD.

You can probably already tell by reading the title and looking at the DVD cover that Linus is the main protagonist here. That's new, and he's my favorite Peanuts character! It's all about his relationship with his blanket and him trying to stay away from it for a couple days, that way his blanket-hating grandma won't be angry when she comes to visit. Charlie Brown briefly holds onto Linus's blanket for him and stays in his room with him at night. What a great friend!

I've loved the dialogue ever since I watched this for the first time. Linus's line, "Tell me where you buried the blanket! TELL ME WHERE YOU BURIED THE BLANKET!" is kind of funny, and my mother and I have both repeated it a few times. Linus's other line, "What do you want? Do you want to see me unhappy? Do you want to see me insecure? Do you want to see me end up like Charlie Brown?" is another one of my favorite lines. He says that while standing up to himself after being ridiculed for having blanket and being told to get rid of it. He really hit the nail on the head with the entire lecture, especially the aforementioned line, and standing up for yourself can be hard for kids his age (and anyone else). Kudos to Linus! Maybe I'll ask the same things the next time it seems as if somebody is intentionally making me unhappy. Enough said.

The "classic" effect is obtained through the retro animation that looks similar to the old Peanuts cartoons, bringing some nostalgia. I must say that the movie's animation looks great for the time it was made, especially with the huge time gap in between the releases of this and the Peanuts cartoons from last century. The music sounds similar to the old Peanuts music, and some Beethoven symphonies are present as well. Even some minor characters who have been gone for quite some time appear in this, like Shermy, Patty (not to be confused for Peppermint Patty), 3, 4, 5, and a few others.
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10/10
You want me to end up like Charlie Brown!
Sylviastel23 October 2017
When the beloved blanket goes missing, he is on a search to find it. Then a grandmother is coming for a visit. The Peanuts gang is back with children voicing the characters. The director did a terrific job in bringing the legacy of the Peanuts gang under the Charles Schulz Estate and Foundation. The special is only 45 minutes but heartwarming and special to Peanut fans of all ages. You can relate to the characters here just as when you were a child. Peanuts never grows old but we aged over years.
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4/10
Mean spirited
mylancer0316 December 2011
The lucy charactr was mean and rude. At some point the rudeness of the characters made me put the show on mute. We are living in a mean spirited age where writers think its okay to speak like this. If Mr. Schultz was living he wouldn't approve. I hope my granddaughter wasn't watching.In the past the characters seemed to Show a sense of concern and caring.for the producers to make this a hour long show was staggering. Thank you the characters remained in tack. I guess because of the copy right rstrictions nothing could be done to change this. I did get a feeling by the nature of the voices that this was an updatesbversion and when insaw 2011 i knew something was amiss. Even my oldest grand said she didn't care for this version. Please don't mess with perfection.
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3/10
My Least Favorite Peanuts Special
ShelbyTMItchell1 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I love the Peanuts but this one was way too mean spirited. And one reviewer says, no Peppermint Patty and Marcie as they were like Charlie despite annoying him but all in good fun. And kids are not perfect.

And Linus really needed support and only got it from Charlie Brown and the blanket. Violet and Patty the original characters that have since been disappearing except in the recent Peanuts movie in 2015. And Lucy of course crabby Lucy. Were all three mean to Charlie, Linus, and Pig-Pen the dirty kid.

Those three girls needed a good spanking or sent to attitude adjustment school. Girls seem indeed mean girls. Feel bad for their parents as well for them raising them out to be that way.

At least in the end, Charlie Brown did apologize to Pig-Pen for the kids picking on him. Linus did become angry and that he was made fun of. And should others insecurities. Like his blanket and his grandmother giving him a hard time. Hope he gave her that talking though off camera I hope.

But still Lucy brags on poor Schroeder. This was just way too mean spirited and really the girls were portrayed as witches here. Skip this as Charles Schulz would roll in his grave over this!
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1/10
Nobody Was Their Usual Self
shelbythuylinh14 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Really what were they thinking? As missed Marcie and Peppermint Patty. Really the only saving grace is that Linus gave the rest of the gang the reason you suck speech.

Really Lucy, original Patty, and mean girl Violet all deserve their clocks to be clean. Feel bad for the parents that raised them.

Charlie Brown is in about a very rare supporting role here trying to support Linus. In return Linus made a snide remark about his best friend.

Linus acted all high and mighty and self righteous and absorbed there. Skip this one.
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