Peter Rabbit (2018) User Reviews (354)

Well worth hopping along to

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 19 March 2018]

Love Beatrix Potter's truly charming and beautifully illustrated stories, there are some talented actors on board and have a soft spot for family films. Wasn't all that enamoured by the trailers and advertising, which dampened my expectations a little but saw it anyway as 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' is one of my favourite Beatrix Potter stories.

Found 'Peter Rabbit' to be much better than expected. It is not perfect and there are better family films out there, but it was hugely entertaining and charming that is ideal for kids and adults. It has endured, and will continue to endure, the wrath of those expecting a straight up adaptation of the story. Understandable, as the title and advertising made it seem as if it was going to be with a modern twist. This is misleading, it is not a straight up adaptation and wasn't trying to be from my personal perspective (more of a modern day follow-up) which is very likely to be wrong. It is best judged as a standalone, on that front there is a lot to enjoy.

Oh, and the allergy bullying controversy does seem as if it has been blown out of proportion for a scene that was over very quickly and didn't seem that insensitive or distasteful, or at least to me.

Sure, 'Peter Rabbit' does have the odd joke that is a little too repetitive, a notable one being with Pigling Bland. Some of the second half is predictable where it is easy to see where it's all going to go, some of the supporting characters are underused (there could have been more of Jeremy Fisher and Jemima Puddle Duck for examples) and maybe there could have been less narration. Regarding the last point though, it is delivered beautifully by Margot Robbie and captures the storybook nature of some of the storytelling very well.

However, even with the witty modern setting, the quaint nature of Potter's stories is intact and loved the affectionate references to other Potter characters in other stories of hers and it even includes the style of her illustrations at points.

'Peter Rabbit' manages to be enormously entertaining, a vast majority of the jokes do hit the mark and they are very funny to hilarious. Especially the scene-stealing cockerel, Mrs Tiggy Winkle and the electric fence and Peter's sisters, while the very physical and increasingly violent comedy that Domhnall Gleeson is given to do is a lot of fun and didn't feel gratuitous, cartoonish or mean-spirited.

It's not just about the comedy. There is a heart too with well-meaning messaging and the whole stuff with Peter's parents and past was very heartfelt. There is a natural charm with the character interaction, and the relationship between Thomas and Bea is very sweet. All the characters engage, the soundtrack is suitably peppy, everything goes at a lively pace and can find little if any fault with the cast. Gleeson makes Thomas more than just a standard clichéd archetype that he appears to be at first and manages the difficult physical comedy and the difficult task of interacting in real life with nothing with ease. Rose Byrne is effortlessly charming without being sugary or without substance, her chemistry with Gleeson and the animals is sweet. James Corden is a likeable Peter and Robbie and Daisy Ridley are particularly colourful of the supporting voice cast. Didn't recognise Sam Neill.

The visual look of 'Peter Rabbit' is one of its biggest pleasures. It is very colourful and picturesque with beautiful photography, that is never garish or flat, and there is a seamless blending of CGI and live-action. The CGI itself is simply great and is so well blended that one can't tell that it's CGI.

Overall, very enjoyable and much better than expected. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Sticking to a classic, while shaking it up.

[cruickycallum · 7/10 · 10 November 2019]

While Peter Rabbit does have a twist from the original content, it's certainly a family adventure, full of fun characters & great visual effects, while still sticking to some of it's roots.

Peter Rabbit... An Animated Cross Walk Musical for Kids and Adults

[downthehobbitholeblog · 8/10 · 10 February 2018]

My whole family really enjoyed Peter Rabbit. We loved the music- the parodies alone were worth the price of admission! We loved the acting and voice acting! James Corden was so great as Peter Rabbit. And we loved the laughter most of all! A fun comedy! Check out blogs and reviews to figure out if it is right for your kids. There was definitely some rude/bathroom humor- but it was not too heavy. A lot of the adult humor was very tactfully hidden. You do not need to take kids with you to laugh in this movie! It's a cute, comedy adventure! Good for the whole family! Check out our review and discussion guide at DownTheHobbitHoleBlog!

My kids love it!

[watchmovietotravel · 12 March 2018]

Brought my kids who had read the Peter Rabbit books before and they love the show. Jokes and plots are simple for kids to understand.

Not your Grandma's Peter Rabbit

[sfwriter999 · 7/10 · 11 February 2018]

If you've seen the trailers, then you know what you're getting into. For those who are going to watch this due to nostalgia, this isn't based on the Beatrix Potter books. They borrow the names of the animals and Bea herself (and the love interest isn't even named after her real life husband). This movie is a rough and tumble comedy more akin to the 3 Stooges than anything resembling a heart-warming child's movie. If anything, I would rate this more of a PG-13 vs PG since I wouldn't bring any small child to watch this due to promotion of misbehavior, theft, rudeness, bullying, and destruction of property.

As an adult, I enjoyed it for what it was. The animation was very seamless and well done. The love story was bit over the top, but fine for a romantic comedy. And I did laugh at various points in the movie.

an somewhat uneven, but enjoyable family film

[dave-mcclain · 7/10 · 12 February 2018]

"Peter Rabbit" (PG, 1:33) is a shocking movie to contemplate. It's shocking to think that it took more than a century for the mischievous bunny of British scientist, illustrator and writer Beatrix Potter's early 20th century children's books to get the big screen treatment. Ah, but it was well worth the wait.

In this live-action adaptation, the CGI Peter is voiced by James Corden. He leads his complicit, but more cautious little sisters, Flopsy (Margot Robbie), Mopsy (Elizabeth Debicki) and Cottontail (Daisy Ridley), along with their clumsy cousin, Benjamin (Colin Moody), on regular raids into the garden of mean old Mr. McGregor (an unrecognizable Sam Neill). Peter is not just mischievous, he's selfish and reckless, often tempting danger in his pursuit of his ill-gotten vegetables. McGregor is in a constant battle with Peter, but just when it looks like the Old Man may have finally gotten the upper hand, he keels over.

The country estate then passes to the meticulous and ambitious London department store supervisor, Thomas McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson). Thomas travels into the country to fix up the place so he can sell it and finance his dream of opening his own toy store. He soon finds himself in his own cat and mouse... er, human and rabbit... game with Peter. Doing her best to protest Peter from Thomas (much as she did with Peter's late great uncle) is next-door neighbor and animal lover Bea (Rose Byrne). As Thomas starts to fall for Bea, their blossoming relationship complicates his attempts to be rid of Peter once and for all.

"Peter Rabbit" is a fun family film. The battles between the McGregor men and Peter get kind of mean-spirited at times, but the violence is mostly of the cartoon variety. The script by Will Gluck (who also directs) and Zareh Nalbandian is mostly well-written and cleverer than your average anthropomorphic animal tale. The voice cast is very good, Byrne's winning presence naturally enhances enjoyment of the film and the usually serious Gleeson proves surprisingly adept at comedy, especially the physical kind. Peter's personality and imperfections remind me of Surly Squirrel in the "Nut Job" movies, but Peter's a little bit sweeter. In the end, despite some uneven storytelling, Peter learns some lessons, as do the main live-action characters, and Movie Fans get a pretty enjoyable hour and a half at the movies. "B+"

a good mixed bag of movie fun

[mikeinpgh · 7/10 · 25 March 2018]

OK, let's get this clear, first & foremost, this is a kids movie & most kids, especially 10 & under, will like it. My 5 year old girl loved it as did most kids at the theater today. Most adults there seemed to enjoy it enough as well as most people were laughing throughout. Myself? I was a tad surprised at some of the humor...the old man dying during his fight w/Peter, (mush to Peter's delight), the other man having a potentially serious medical issue while the rabbits loved it. It was also very predictable but still, I had to mostly like it. Younger kids will not get much of the humor, older kids & many adults may be bored but it was still overall, a likable movie, fun & somewhat humorous. It's a kids movie people, lighten up...it is what it is.

Joyful Fun For The Whole Family

[cyifly-2 · 7/10 · 18 March 2018]

I went into the theatre with no expectations and not having read nor heard of the children's books. And I'm glad I did.

Peter Rabbit was a hoot... My kids loved it and that is what's important. It was funny, endearing and well-done. My expectations were very low and I left pleasantly surprised. There were a few low/slow points and my kids started to loose interest, but overall, it was very enjoyable.

I came home to read other IMDB reviews and was surprised at some of the hate. Most of which came from people who hold the old stories in such high regard. I have come to learn that if you are going to make a children's movie nowadays, you have to make it a bit more modern. A bit faster paced, better animation, funnier characters, quick-witted, a little more action with a few more surprises, etc. If you don't, it won't hold the attention of today's kids.

It breaks my heart that my kids don't have much interest in Charlie Brown, Winnie the Pooh, Sesame Street, and some others I grew up with. But when you compare it to all the other stuff out now, you just can't compare. They won't watch it long. I don't blame people for being upset that the new Peter Rabbit may not follow the story and animation of the old, but I do appreciate they took the story and characters and updated it to something mine will watch and love.

Witty, clever, and just plain old fun!

[dlfnsrf · 10/10 · 19 February 2018]

Peter Rabbit is a story I grew up with so I had to see this movie. I had no expectations. I don't think I've laughed throughout an entire movie like I did watching this on a very long time. People commenting about the allergy scenes need to lighten up! -- and that's coming from someone with allergies -- that put a damper on my life practically daily. Seriously, it's such a minor part of the movie, laugh, don't laugh, and move on. The movie has many good messages: knowing when to fess up and admit you did wrong (imagine that! Accountability!), making apologies (woah, again with owning up to your actions!), the impotance of friends and family, and more! Also, a great cast and a fabulous soundtrack.

A lot more amusing than I thought it would be.

[Hellmant · 7/10 · 16 February 2018]

'PETER RABBIT': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

A CGI animated/live-action kids film, based on the classic stories by Beatrix Potter, about a rebellious rabbit causing mischief for a new farmer. The movie was directed by Will Gluck (who's also helmed such hit youth comedy flicks as 'EASY A', 'FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS' and the 2014 'ANNIE' remake), and it was scripted by Gluck and Rob Lieber. It stars Domhnall Gleeson, Rose Byrne and Sam Neill (in live-action roles), as well as the voices of James Corden (in the title role), Daisy Ridley, Margot Robbie and Elizabeth Debicki. The movie has received mostly positive reviews from critics (unlike it's trailer), and it's also a hit at the Box Office as well. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would.

After years of feuding between a mischievous rabbit, named Peter Rabbit (Corden), and an old farmer, named Mr. McGregor (Neil), the farmer suddenly dies due to a lifetime of bad (non-vegan) eating habits. Peter and his friends think they finally have the home, and garden they love, to themselves. Then Mr. McGregor's son, Thomas (Gleeson), inherits the land and moves in. A new bitter rivalry quickly emerges between Peter and the new farmer. It's complicated though, by a beautiful animal lover who lives next door, named Bea (Byrne), which Peter and Thomas both desperately want the affection of.

I found the film to be a lot more amusing than I thought it would be; I wouldn't say it's funny exactly, but it's definitely amusing. The animation is beautiful, and the animal characters are really lovable and cute. Peter is of course obnoxiously mischievous, and Thomas McGregor is a little too unlikable as well, but the film really does play like a live-action cartoon (the type that I used to watch a lot as a kid). I don't think it's probably that faithful to the classic kids' stories though, although I don't remember them that well, but I think the film is probably a good enough modern (live-action) update. I don't usually enjoy most kids' movies either, but I had a good enough time watching this one. I think it probably helps to be an animal lover though, like I am.

Beatrix Potter is Rolling in her Grave

[freemantle_uk · 2/10 · 21 June 2019]

Beatrix Potter's books are known for being quaint, quintessentially English children's stories. The Hollywood adaptation ignores this for a brash comedy that misses the point of the books. Worst of all is the main character was turned from a mischevious youngster to a sociopath who's actively trying to kill someone. There were the occasional jokes that made me chuckle like the Rooster (Will Reichelt). But the film was an obnoxious, cynical cash grab that took away the charm of Potter's work. Watch the '90s animated series instead.

Adorable, Great Acting, Extraordinary CGI

[rannynm · 10/10 · 9 February 2018]

Peter Rabbit is one of my favorite kid's movie of the year so far. It's an adorable film that is perfect for the whole family. I love this film because of the acting and CGI.

Peter Rabbit follows Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton Tail and Benji as they get into mischief by taking vegetables from the garden next door. They take the vegetables from Mr. McGregor who tries desperately to get them out of their garden by using explosives and even an electric fence. The rabbits hang out with loveable characters like Bea. She helps the rabbits by giving them shelter when it rains and helps them get food.

Throughout the movie, we see great acting from all the actors and voice actors in the film. I love how Domhnall Gleeson acts like a soulless man with the rabbits who he is trying to kill, but with Bea, he acts like in he's love. I found that Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) really does seem to be in love with Bea. I also like how the voice actors portray the rabbits. Each one of them has a personality that is well portrayed in their voices and actions. For example, Cotton Tail is a memorable character because of how wild and reckless she is. The way Daisy Ridley voices her shows how wild she can be.

The CGI in this film is extraordinary. The animals look so realistic. If you really focus on the rabbits, you can see the individual hairs on them. You can also see it on the pig character that hangs out with the rabbits. During a fight sequence with Peter and Mr. McGregor, they actually look like they are fighting and not like he is fighting a fake bunny.

I rate this movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 7 to 12.

Reviewed by Carla P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.

Purely Joyful Movie!

[bonniebonniebanks · 7/10 · 20 February 2018]

My friend and I went - we don't even have kids, we just remembered the books from when we were little. There were a few times that all of us (it was a weekday so there were pretty much just adults there) burst out laughing! The only people who wouldn't like this are the ones who have to have raunchy sex or highly violent scenes to keep them happy.

It was a cute story that they told using the familiar characters and if you like London there is some great shots in there, too!

I won't go into the eye-roll moment with the blackberries. They may as well complain that Peter has no pants.

Ventured too far from the original books. Lost touch with true audience.

[anitsuj · 1/10 · 28 August 2018]

Peter Rabbit is meant for an audience of 3 to 8 year old children. This movie is not for kids under 12. This is a true shame because both my kids watch Peter Rabbit on TV. The TV show fits their age group. This movie absolutely does not. I don't want to give out too much....b ut even the first scene is too much for chidren under eight. Parents are left with "how am I supposed to tell my children what just happened?" Nick Park and writers assocaited with this movie, you made a poor choice regarding the direction this film took.

A horrid film glorifying vicious and heinous aggressors

[Gordon-11 · 11 May 2018]

This film tells the story of a group of rabbits who tries to take over their neighbour's garden.

The first two of three minutes look rather cute, but very soon I really detest those rabbits to the core. The rabbits are horrible, violent aggressors who keep on doing heinous acts to humans. The crooked acts are at times even lethal. Forcing someone to ingest an allergen is definitely not funny, in fact downright vicious. How can people find these acts funny? What if children imitate these lethal acts, thinking it's fun? This film glorifies bullies and aggressors. "Peter Rabbit" is a deplorable, absolutely horrid film that deserves universal condemnation.

A Charming Family Film with a lot of Laughs.

[steve-care · 7/10 · 10 April 2018]

I have to say i wasnt too sure about going to see this, but one wet Sunday morning i took the plunge and i have to say i was pleasantly surprised.

Good mixture of Animation and Live action scenes with some good old fashioned slapstick added.

What a surprise!

[AhmedSpielberg99 · 7/10 · 24 February 2018]

Yes the second half of the movie is full of clichés and most of its jokes are silly and repeated, but the movie is a sweet adventure that has surprisingly smart slapstick humor, gorgeous 3D animation and good voice acting specially from James Corden who voiced the titular character.

Good fun

[alansattenstall · 7/10 · 2 April 2018]

Quite enjoyable Beatrix potter would have hated it but why shot in Australia with very little English content except a bit of a sop to the lakes and no northern accents maybe should enjoy Skippy remake in Yorkshire using the orgreave pit for the mine shaft .Sean bean should be the male lead and Lesley sharp the female lead.shots could include York station as a representative sample of an Australian station.could use bramhope house as an example of a poor Australians residence.could use occasional glimpse of Australia to remind everyone that it is australian

If Rabbits could talk ...

[kosmasp · 6/10 · 14 July 2018]

Do I have to emphasise that you have to suspend your disbelief? We have animated animals (CG) mixed up with real actors. Now do not go around looking for depth in this. It's a kids movie, you have a setup, you have two groups fighting over Rose Byrne (who can blame them? Exactly) and you have a lesson that can be learned at the end.

If you accept that, you can have a lot of fun. The movie is really about the kids and the fun they ought to have. Get along for the ride, don't judge the acting too harshly and enjoy

Laughed Until I Cried

[magee-42745 · 10/10 · 17 February 2018]

This movie is seriously funny. There are so many parts where I couldn't stop laughing. I'm an adult man and this may be my favorite movie.

Ignore negative reviews about the bullying scene. I mean the rabbits are mortal enemies of the gardener so yeah they are going to do whatever it takes. People need to stop being so sensitive about the whole allergy issue.

This movie will make you laugh, cry, and wish you could watch it again. Take your kids, take your mom, take a stranger..... they'll laugh too !!!

Surprising depth mixed with mayhem

[trinaboice · 7/10 · 23 February 2018]

Grade: B

In a Nutshell: Beatrix Potter's beloved The Tale of Peter Rabbit gets a very modern spin as Sony Pictures blends live action with impressively expressive animation.

With lots of critter mayhem, silly banter, and posh British accents, this family flick will make old and young viewers giggle at least a few times. While it's not the greatest movie out, there is something for everyone here, as well as some surprising depth that will touch your heart.

Tips for parents: An old man dies by having a heart attack. The rabbits steal things and trash a house and all of that is supposed to be considered cute. Everyone speaks with a British accent, including the animals. Surprisingly, many of the live scenes were filmed in Australia. Your kids are going to want a pet rabbit after they see the movie. Some fighting and violence Some references to things anyone under 25 wouldn't understand. Some rude humor, but no profanity.

Uplifting theme: The importance of family Forgiveness Kindness

Things I liked: James Cordon does a great job as the voice of Peter Rabbit. We'll see him in two more animated movies this year: Smallfoot and Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2. He's probably hoping everyone will forget he was in The Emoji Movie. Other voice talent includes Sam Neill and a cast of very lovely ladies: Daisy Ridley, Elizabeth Debicki, Sia, and Margot Robbie. Domhnall Gleeson is perfect, just like he is in everything else he does. Cute beginning. Quick intro to all of the characters with some humor. Very expressive animation with incredible details. Some of the original Peter Rabbit animation design is shown as a respectful nod to the past. Upbeat soundtrack. I liked the enthusiastic rooster's reaction to each new day. We should all feel that way when we wake up! It's sweet when their foreheads touch. Keep watching during the rolling credits at the end. Funny deer gag. Peter Rabbit's motivation is much deeper than you would expect. Parents aren't going to mind watching this with their kids. When Bea and Tom play Scrabble, she makes the word "Potter" in honor of the author of the original The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter. Very fast moving in action, gags, and jokes.

Things I didn't like: It veers VERY far from the gentle original. Harrods department store is mentioned several times. Americans may not know what it is. It's similar to the famous Macy's department store in New York City, enormous and hugely successful. It's predictable, but still enjoyable.

Funny lines: "And where did they get those little jackets? They've been there all along!" - Mr McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson)

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Fake 10 star reviews

[mockiboo · 1/10 · 16 April 2018]

Trust me the 10 star reviews have to be fake. I never write reviews, but I have to say this movie is shocking. It could be re marketed as a horror movie. Rabbit kills old man then sticks its paw in dead man eye before laughing and partying in old man's house. Rabbit boosts about killing the man, then goes on to try to kill the second man, thinks he electrocuted the second man to death in extreme violent scene. Because laughing over body and parties a second time. Tries to gave man an allergic food substance to kill him. Good character 'lady next door' says she loves rabbits, but when he damages one of her painting, she picks him up screams at him and throws him out in rain. She even admits she hates her painting previously. Crude music and adult humour throughout movie. Cut to last scene, man and woman happy together and they encourage Rabbit to try to kill new couple so they can get back their house, which they sold. Very violent movie and completely self centred and psycho rabbit spends entire movie trying to kill humans.

THIS FILM STICKS TO YOUR HEART-GET EXTRA NAPKINS AT THE CONCESSION.

[alvaro-a-quesada-558-141800 · 10/10 · 4 March 2018]

BRA-VO. This is a BRILLIANT film, very sweet and heartfelt. Not sure why there has been so many bad reviews and a lot of self-righteous comments--but they need to check their politics at the door, and for goodness sake--just have fun, people. Can't we just enjoy it? Why does it have to be so complicated? I can think of a million other things that are much worse--than this Peter Rabbit film, which by the way, there is nothing wrong with Peter Rabbit 3.0. Go see it. You're going to love it, as much as I would've felt the original author would have too, as this is based on her tale for kids, but it is technically a sequel--as you will understand when you see it. First off, they are rabbits, and rabbits are mischievous by nature, when they are bored or there is food at stake. They are also a bit affectionately demanding and territorial as they felt with Bea. Within the context of the film, rabbits don't understand what the implications of allergic reactions could be for humans--they are, yes, rabbits. The humor is just hilarious, and it works well coming from farm animals. This is CGI/A vs. real live humans. It kept me engaged throughout. I saw this one with my daughter and we both laughed so much and so hard -- isn't this what it is all about? a positive experience? One that brings you closer with those you are with? I cried, I laughed, I cried so hard I laughed, and laughed so hard I cried -- and this is how I rate/gauge film I watch -- by how it moves me and the positivity it inspires in me; it felt good to be reminded that I was still human. I just loved, loved, loved this film. I recommend it. This one will definitely make it into my collection once it is released in media format -- and not many make it in. The soundtrack is super amazing too--I can't stress that enough. They hit it on the head with this one. A TRUE STORY OF HUMBLENESS AND REDEMPTION. Your heart will melt into a big puddle--hands down. No one is paying me to write this--I give it 10 Gold stars. I want to see Peter win next year at the Oscars. A TOTAL GEM.

Fun for a 10 year old!

[donaldricco · 6/10 · 11 February 2018]

This is not for Beatrix Potter fans, but it is a funny movie! And the music is good too! My almost 10 year old daughter was laughing out loud - a lot! Me, I just love Rose Byrne, so I was happy too!

What is wrong with the bunny?

[because-of-him · 2/10 · 18 July 2018]

The movie's C.G.I. is incredibly near perfect; a 10/10. When holding an animal, you could not tell it was not real. Even the movie, Roger Rabbit, had a sense of fakeness, but this Peter Rabbit, 2018 movie, has done such an incredible work, that nowhere in the movie do you get a sense that the animals are not real. The 2/10 comes from the message. The woman says that all animals have a natural claim to all gardens and homes, because they were here first. Yet, she does not allow the animals to poop, urinate and damage her home. Also, a 2/10 is due to the musical arrangement. Instead of a steady theme throughout the movie, you hear about 10 different genres, from classical to rap, causing irritation to the ears and finger fatigue as you often hit the mute button.

Finally, yes, it is worth seeing just for the CGI, but if you spend money on it, you lose.