They are barking up the right tree with this one.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman

Some people have a hard time getting their dog to sit or stay. Imagine if you knew one that excelled in math and science plus was able to fix up a fabulous three course meal. If you did he would probably wear a red bow tie and have an adopted human son. Mr. Peabody & Sherman is based on the classic cartoon of the 1960’s, Peabody's Improbable History, and comes to life in stunning 3D animation. Full of humor, adventure, and fun filled facts about history this is one geared for the entire family.

When Sherman (voice of Max Charles) uses the WABAC machine to impress a girl at school it creates a rift in time that Mr. Peabody (voice of Ty Burrell) must try and fix it before all of history unravels.  All of this comes about after an adoption agency threatens to take Sherman away from Mr. Peabody. So not only do you have the fun of time travel and famous characters of history, but also a very sweet father and son story.

This film has a lot of wit and laugh out loud moments. Most aimed at adults. The historical characters and events of the past are slightly poked fun at while still keeping most of the story accurate. It is silly to think of the Mona Lisa looking the way it does simply due to a visit to Leonardo da Vinci by a time traveling dog; but it sure works in the family movie realm. It is moments like that in which the film keeps you engaged. There are many one-liners and sarcastic references that kids will never get but adults will bust a gut laughing at. This balance of reaching all age groups is vital in a solid animated movie.

Even though the dog has adopted the boy it doesn’t steal the heart from the sweet father son moments. If you scoff at the idea or refuse to embrace the metaphors of it then you miss the point all together; and the entire message. Dads will feel a swell in their heart as they think of moments with their sons. Kids will appreciate how Sherman wants to please Mr. Peabody while still trying to find his own path. All will enjoy the visuals and action filled journey they take together.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman is rated PG for some mild action and brief rude humor. As mentioned before most of the humor will sail over the heads of younger viewers. Even if it didn’t there is nothing you should worry about them seeing or hearing. This is one of the more entertaining animated films and one that can be watched as a family. Maybe even drag the grandparents along. They might enjoy the revisit to the old cartoon as well. I give it 4 out of 5 tail wags. They are barking up the right tree with this one.

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