The new Peanuts movie might not be terrible in the sense that the Smurfs and Alvin and the Chipmunks movies were terrible. This doesn’t appear to be a half-live action attempt to modernize Peanuts with painful pop culture references. Based on this first teaser trailer, it looks like just an animated Peanuts movie – of course, considering past animated Peanuts movies, the bar is set pretty darn high.

So far, I like the animation. It’s a neat, computerized style without being completely computer animated. I dig it. And it’s clear that Blue Sky are keeping the classic look. I just don’t have any idea what the movie is going to be about. Is it a new Peanuts Christmas? Because you can’t top the original Peanuts Christmas. So what’s the plot?

Also, I suddenly realized just how dated Snoopy’s ongoing battle with the Red Baron might be. The Red Baron doesn’t exist in popular culture anymore other than from Peanuts cartoons. Any child who sees that trailer and wants to know why that doggie is flying his doghouse in Paris is in for one heck of an explanation.

“Well you see, son, once upon a time the entire world was at war…”