‘Snoopy Presents: There’s No Place Like Home, Snoopy’ is an endearing film for all ages
There is no place like home, Snoopy (Courtesy Apple TV)
When Charles Schulz drew his first “Peanuts” comic strip in 1950, he probably did not imagine his group of kids, along with their dog, would be enshrined in pop culture. The strip still runs in newspapers throughout the country. The last original strip was published in 2000, but the strips, movies, TV shows, and merchandise continue to be beloved by fans of all ages.
The latest movie, “There’s no Place Like Home, Snoopy,” reinforces the love and joy the peanuts gang have for each other and especially for Snoopy, the beloved beagle. Technically Snoopy belongs to Charlie and Sally Brown, but through the years he has been a friend and companion to all the kids.
This movie is a touching reminder how much love the gang shares, and how much fans continue to enjoy the antics of Charlie Brown, Sally, Lucy, Schroeder, Linus, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Franklin, Rerun, Pig Pen, Woodstock, and Snoopy. Besides those now-regular characters, other Peanuts kids from the past are present in this show: Patty, Violet, Shermy, Rerun, Frieda, Milo, Austin, Ruby, and Leland.
When Charlie Brown and Sally decide to do some spring cleaning, Sally is eager to make as much money as she can. But Charlie Brown is ambivalent about selling his baseball items.
Little Sally decides to go for the gold and sell everything in the back yard. Unfortunately, that includes Snoopy’s doghouse.
That doghouse has featured prominently through the years. It is where Snoopy fought The Red Barron as the Wold War I Flying Ace. It’s where he keeps his possessions (yes, he has possessions), and it is where he writes his novel. It is also where he sleeps when he doesn’t climb into bed with Charlie Brown.
Upon discovering his beloved doghouse is gone, Snoopy is inconsolable. When Charlie Brown takes him shopping for a replacement, he is annoyed and disappointed. None of them meet his standards.
This show is heartwarming as Snoopy and Charlie Brown reminisce about the first day Snoopy joined the Brown family. And Snoopy recalls how he met Woodstock – on top of his doghouse. Where else?
Adopting Sherlock and Watson identities, Snoopy and Charlie Brown set out to track down the beloved doghouse. If they find the kid who bought it, will they be able to get it back?
Including some of the lesser-known kids in this film is a treat. The Goose Eggs first appeared in 1977. This little ragtag baseball team has yet to score a run. They do have heart though, as well as confidence they will make it onto the scoreboard sometime. Milo, Austin, Ruby, and Leland are adorable, and seeing them again will bring a smile to viewers. This foursome is overlooked in most of the shows, but are front and center in this film.
Franklin, who has moved from town to town because his dad is a soldier, reminds everyone that things are replaceable, and a home is made of memories and family. Those are the important things. They are what count.
In the end, the entire gang helps Snoopy begin anew. As Charlie Brown tells him, “We’re in this together.”
What a great message for young and old. The Peanuts kids always hit the mark when it comes to understanding life. Since their debut, they have delighted, entertained, and amused fans old and young. They are an endearing group to all.
“Snoopy Presents: There’s No Place Like Home, Snoopy” is another Peanuts treasure. It will melt hearts and take its place among the many Peanuts classics.
This heartwarming new special is now streaming on Apple TV.
