65 years after its debut and 15 years after the last original comic strip was released and creator, Charles Schulz, died. “The Peanuts Movie” is still alive and kicking. Written by Schulz’s son Craig, and Craig’s son, Bryan, the classic characters and antics are just as humorous and entertaining as always.

When the Little Red-Haired Girl moves in across the street from Charlie Brown, he becomes smitten with her. With the sarcastic advice from Lucy and encouragement from Linus, the “Blockhead” attempts to overcome his disposition for failure to impress the new girl.     

“The Peanuts Movie” is really all any fans could ask for after 15 years of no new material. None of the characters, or setting, is modernized in any way. It is all kept in the timeless 1950’s style of clothing and background. There is a pop song thrown in there that breaks this classic style slightly. The “Peanuts” theme or soundtrack for the movie would have been just fine. However, it doesn’t last long, and the scene flows well enough to smooth over the quick interruption.

The child voice actors do a fantastic job at giving each character a unique energy that individualizes them from the large cast of “Peanuts” characters. The pacing of the movie does an excellent job of this as well, giving each character moments to shine. Luckily, archived voice recordings of Bill Melendez, the original voice for Snoopy and Woodstock, were used, keeping the animal companions as zany and expressive as ever.

The computer animation that’s used brings a fresh coat of paint to the “Peanuts” gang, while still looking hand drawn and 2D at a glance.

Viewers who had grown up with “Peanuts” will still be able to appreciate the heart and humanist spirit the characters convey as they go about their antics and adventures.

The younger crowd will find an enjoyable and colorful ride that is very inviting to newcomers. And that’s the main reason “The Peanuts Movie” works. It isn’t updated to “get with the times.”

There’s actually something to say about how appealing “Peanuts” is after all these years. It is something that never needs to be rebooted or redone. The day that happens, “Peanuts” will have officially died and Charles Schulz will be rolling over in his grave.

With the writers wanting to keep “Peanuts” in the Schulz name, there will be more to come. Younger generations will be able to enjoy Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, Schroeder and the rest of the gang for years to come.