‘Pooh’s Heffalump Movie’ fun for all ages

Something scary is afoot in the Hundred Acre Wood. What could it be?

Rabbit knows. It’s a Heffalump, the most frightening creature in the world.

So, Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit and Tigger summon up their courage and head off on an expedition to Heffalump Hollow to capture the beast.

Little Roo, the baby kangaroo, wants to join the hunting party, but is told that he is too young for such grown-up endeavors. Needless to say, he is the one to discover the Heffalump, who turns out not to be a fearsome creature, but a roly-poly, lavender sweetie named Lumpy.

Lumpy has also heard strange noises in the Hundred Acre Wood, and as he describes the fierce creatures, we realize he’s talking about Pooh, Tigger and the rest of the gang.

The film has great lessons about courage, friendship and how while it’s normal to be afraid of people who may appear different from us, ultimately we all share the same fears — and joys.

“Pooh’s Heffalump Movie” is a cute, fun (albeit extremely short) film that will delight preschoolers and their adult Winnie-The-Pooh fans. Lumpy is a wonderful addition to the cadre of characters we’ve all grown up with and loved for decades.

My only criticism about this movie is its look and feel. While watching it, I felt like I was simply watching a made-for-video release being projected onto the big screen. There isn’t anything “cinematic” about the film that would warrant it being on the big screen.

When I got home, I did a little research and found out that the film was originally a direct-to-home video release, but Disney decided it was worth giving the movie a theatrical shot. This also explains why the film is barely an hour long.

Still, it’s a very small, niggling point, and it really doesn’t detract from the film’s entertaining aspects. If you have small children, “Pooh’s Heffalump Movie” is a perfect way to spend an afternoon at the movies.

GRADE: B