Goodbye Christopher Robin

This film tells the intriguing backstory about the creation of one of literature's most beloved children's tales. A.A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) was a successful British playwright, churning out witty West End comedies. But in 1919 he returned home from fighting on the Western front during WWI and was shell-shocked and depressed, suffering from what we now call PTSD. Impatient with her husband's inability to resume writing, Milne's self-centered, socialite wife Daphne (Margot Robbie) reluctantly moves to Sussex with him and their son, Christopher Robin (Will Tilston). Morose Milne rarely spends time with cherubic Christopher until Daphne leaves for London and Christopher's nanny (Kelly Macdonald) needs time off. Suddenly, Milne is alone with Christopher, who whenever father and son stroll through Ashdown Forest always brings his beloved bear, and at home enjoys tea parties with his stuffed animals. Observing this interaction, Milne begins writing whimsical tales about the bucolic adventures of Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, and Piglet in the Hundred Acre Wood. The instant, overwhelming success of Winnie-the-Pooh catapults young Christopher into superstardom, resulting in interviews, photo ops, and meet-and-greets with an adoring public. Growing into manhood, however, Christopher (Alex Lawther) becomes deeply resentful that his childhood was sacrificed for fame and fortune. Director Simon Curtis has fashioned a charming, bittersweet, cautionary tale that should appeal to the legions of Winnie the Pooh lovers. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Simon Curtis and co-writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the production segments “A Walk in the Woods” (3 min.), “Hello Billy Moon” (3 min.), “The Story” (3 min.), “Christopher Robin & His Nanny Olive” (3 min.), “Healing a Nation” (2 min.), “A.A. Milne” (2 min.), “Daphne Milne” (2 min.), and “The Cast” (2 min.), and a photo gallery. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a winning bio-pic.] (S. Granger)