Watch Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne

Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne is an animated TV special that was brought to the screen by WildBrain Studios as part of the Peanuts franchise. The special is a heartwarming celebration of the New Year, blending the timeless charm of Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts characters with the freshness of contemporary animation styles. Following in the footsteps of other beloved Peanuts holiday classics, this movie captures the spirit of friendship, the poignancy of life's transitions, and the joy found in simple pleasures.

The story revolves around Lucy Van Pelt, voiced by Katie Griffin, a character frequently known for her bossiness and frequent psychiatric booth sessions. However, in this particular special, Lucy seeks to turn a new leaf for the coming year. Upon realizing that her grandmother won't be visiting her for Christmas, Lucy takes this setback to heart and strives to make the New Year's celebration a memorable and significant event, not only for her but for all her friends. Determined to throw the best New Year's Eve party, she sets off on a quest to ensure that the evening is full of happiness, resolutions, and renewed friendships.

At the core of the special is the Peanuts gang's common dilemma with New Year resolutions and the often humorous complications that arise from trying to better oneself. Charlie Brown, voiced by Etienne Kellici, reflects the everyman's universal struggle of having grand aspirations, only to face challenges and self-doubt. Nonetheless, the movie portrays Charlie Brown's sincere efforts to be more assertive and to actually accomplish his resolutions this year.

On the flip side, Snoopy, the lovable and enigmatic beagle, embarks on his own adventures, which often parallel and contrast with the children's human concerns. Accompanied by his faithful sidekick, Woodstock, Snoopy demonstrates the whimsical and carefree essence of a world where the worries of self-improvement seem distant. His subplots typically bring a lighthearted and comedic touch to the special, balancing the more introspective moments from the other characters.

Maya Misaljevic lends her voice to the innocent and kind-hearted Peppermint Patty, another member of the endearing ensemble. She, along with her best friend Marcie, injects a sense of warmth, cheer, and lighthearted banter to the group dynamics. Peppermint Patty's straightforward and sporty nature contrasts nicely with the more cerebral or anxious members of the gang, adding another layer to the special's exploration of personality and friendship.

A New Year's special wouldn't be complete without touching on the themes of reflection and anticipation. For Auld Lang Syne explores, in a way that is accessible to both children and adults, the idea of looking back at the past year while setting goals for the future. It portrays its characters grappling with their personal growth and how they envisage their future selves. Yet, as always with the Peanuts' gang's misadventures, there are plenty of humorous mishaps, struggles, and detours along the way.

Visual storytelling is a significant part of the special, with the animation adhering to the iconic style of the original Peanuts comics, while also incorporating modern techniques to make the characters and settings vibrant and appealing to a new generation of viewers. The classic Peanuts aesthetic is alive and well, with a simple and expressive design that captures the essence of Schulz's original drawings, imbued with smooth animation that brings fluidity to the characters' movements.

Musically, as with other Peanuts specials, the soundtrack plays a crucial role in establishing the mood and tone for various scenes. The music nods to the jazzy scores synonymous with previous Peanuts animations, creating a nostalgic yet fresh auditory experience that complements both the comedic and emotive moments of the story.

The special communes a message of hope, friendship, and the importance of community - a fitting theme as characters gather to celebrate the coming of a new year together. It's about the bond shared among the Peanuts gang and, by extension, the viewers who have grown to love these characters over the years.

Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne captures the familiar essence of the Peanuts franchise, combining humor, charm, and heartfelt moments. It paints a picture of a group of friends who, despite their differences, come together to reflect, celebrate, and look forward to the possibilities that a new year brings. With its ensemble of beloved characters and the timeless appeal of their tales, this special provides not just entertainment but also a gentle reminder of the small joys that make life meaningful as it takes us from one year into the next.

Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne is a 2021 animated movie with a runtime of 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.