The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

Directed by John Lounsbery and Wolfgang Reitherman

Written by various writers

THE ANIMATION

Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is another product of what was then Disney’s typical animation style, xerography. While I’m not the biggest fan of the style (though I’ve no passionate disdain for it either), I’d say that it actually worked in favor of this particular film (for the most part). The sketchy lines and sometimes almost disheveled character models complimented the film’s storybook aesthetic. Having said that, there were instances where the unkempt line art was more distracting than complimentary (primarily in the earliest segment of the picture, “Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree”; the other featurettes were produced a few years later, presumably giving animators time to rectify any minor guffaws present in “Honey Tree”.

THE HEROES

It goes without saying that this film features what is arguably Disney’s most beloved and consistently loveable cast of characters to date. Everyone character here is known and beloved by everyone; from Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, and Roo, to Pooh Bear himself (I mean, have you met a hater of these characters who wasn’t a bitter adolescent?). Each is charming and complimentary to one another, with their own distinct allures and vices that makes them so much fun to watch (well, most of them—Kanga isn’t exactly flawed, but she’s the Team Mom; Christopher Robin is a perfect little boy, but he’s more of a surrogate, and it’s now his show; and Gofer may annoy more than amuse, but hey, he’s not in the book.)

THE SIDE CHARACTERS

This pretty much goes hand in hand with the “Heroes” section—while characters like Pooh and Christopher Robin are obviously more important to the narrative than others, the film doesn’t give the impression that anyone here is really playing second-fiddle. Sure, the spotlight belongs to Pooh, but it’s more than shared with all his 100 Acre Wood friends.

THE VILLAINS

This film is very slice of life—there is no villain, only troubling circumstances (albeit very entertaining ones). However, the closest thing to a “villain” featured here comes in the form of the imaginary “Heffalumps” and “Woozles”, who torment Pooh in a delightfully entertaining dream/musical number.

THE MUSIC

Not every track here is a household jingle, but the ones that are really are. “Winnie the Pooh” is unarguably one of the most popular songs in the Disney canon; it’s so ingrained in the ether of childhood nostalgia and innocence that it almost doesn’t register as belonging to any one series. Then you’ve got other popular songs like “The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers” and “Up, Down and Touch the Ground”, and underrated gems like the creatively creepy “Heffalumps and Woozles” as well as other fun (albeit not quite as memorable) tunes, all thanks to the ingenious Sherman Brothers.

The Best: “Winnie the Pooh”

The Worst: “Rumbly in My Tumbly Song” (I suppose)

THE PLOT

As previously noted, this film is in actuality a compilation movie compiled from three previously released theatrical featurettes: “Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree” (1966), “Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day” (1968), and “Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too” (1974). Naturally this, plus extra material crafted for the film, makes the narrative very episodic—and to the picture’s benefit. The casual slice of life progression of the story is perfect for the nostalgic, innocent atmosphere. The adventures the gang endure perfectly walk the line of whimsy and poignancy, topped off by one of Disney’s strongest endings with a subtle yet effective scene where Christopher Robin and Pooh walk together alone, discussing the future.

Total Score: 26/30 = 87% = B