Chi sei, Charlie Brown?

Who doesn't like Charlie Brown? I was hoping for a light-hearted informative biography on Charles' Schultz's life. I ended up with a politically-charged progressive woke film. I'm open minded and accept everyone but there were far reaches made in this doc that had nothing to do with the subject matter. Oh brother.

They went out of their way to push an agenda. Truly cringeworthy at times.

This is a well tell documentary that uses the comedy and graphic style of Peanuts series. Nevertheless, the weird interpretation that some of the guests make about Shultz's work, forcing a relation with feminism, LGBT and racial issues, makes this documentary uncomfortable at some points. Especially taking in account that they deliberately cut all about his Christian faith. For example, they never talked about how the Christmas special ended with Jesus story and how that's the real meaning of Christmas.

In summary, this is a documentary about Peanuts beginnings, their impact on society and how this could fits with some cultural agendas.

A deeper look into an integral part of American childhood, Who Are You, Charlie Brown? Provides viewers with a blast from the past and some intriguing background information about the creation and nuances of the Peanuts comic universe.

Packaged in documentary format, the show centers on Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, and his life. Using animated vignettes from Charlie Brown, the viewer learns how Schulz's childhood and many parts of his own life plus the lives of those near and dear to him influenced several prominent characters and motifs in the award-winning Peanuts series. Some examples include the Little Red-Haired Girl, Franklin Armstrong, Lucy and Pig-Pen. Interviews with Schulz's widow, his close acquaintances, famous viewers and the people who brought Charlie Brown to life on-screen help paint an enthralling picture of the pensive and talented Schulz, as well as the context and subtext behind his legendary series.

Who Are You, Charlie Brown? Is exactly what a biopic should be. Its length of about 50 minutes is perfect; its storytelling seamless; its animation immaculate. The interviews with people such as Drew Barrymore, a longtime Peanuts lover, and the archival footage and voiceovers of Mr. Schulz himself add great depth and emotion to the film. The sequence with Mr. Schulz, in his last days whilst battling cancer, describes his reaction to the overwhelming love he received for the Charlie Brown cartoons and will certainly make you tear up a bit.

Who Are You, Charlie Brown? Has a clear mission - to answer the question posed in its title. This it does with efficiency, thoroughness and liveliness. However, a deeper message is posed in the framing of Schulz as a man who takes inspiration from both high points and low points in his life when creating art. For artists and non-artists, channeling elements of your life, whether happy or sad, positive or negative, to add poignant emotions to your work is an immensely powerful tool.

I give Who Are You, Charlie Brown? 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 18, plus adults. Who Are You, Charlie Brown? Debuts globally Friday, June 25 on Apple TV+. Check it out!

Reviewed by Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST.

'Who Are You, Charlie Brown?' is about the life of Peanuts creator, Charles "Sparky" Schulz. Overall its a good documentary, but I feel the animated segments are what holds this film back at times.

I did not know a lot about Charles Schulz going into it, but this movie did a really good job at displaying and explaining Sparky's life and actions. I don't agree with some of the other reviewers here as I think that the documentary parts were pretty good for the most part as it showed how the Peanuts were impactful in so many different peoples lives and how they interpreted the characters. My only complaint for the interviews was that they seemed short and lacking passion at times.

And maybe I'm biased but I found the animated story to be a good idea, but the animation itself seemed very "corporate" and a little out of touch than previous specials even from as recently as the early 2000's.

In conclusion, this is a good but not great documentary. Great for those who have been impacted by Sparky and the Peanuts. Very inclusive and welcoming of all Peanuts fans! If you want to learn a little more about the creator of the Peanuts then give it a watch!