Film Review.....PBs

We went to see the Postman Pat film today as a family. Our eldest child is nearly ten (it was his sister's birthday treat), and when he was very young - from about 9 months old - he was a huge fan of Postman Pat. As the film began, I was quickly transported back in time to his babyhood complete with endless hours reading him Postman Pat stories and listening to the theme tune on a funny little carry along radio he had which played the gentle Pat music.

The moments spent down memory lane, feeling safe and calm, did not last. The film very quickly descended into a manic frenzy of violent images. For those familiar with Postman Pat and life in Greendale, this felt incredibly incongruous. The most prominent was the use of red lasers coming out of eyes (Pat's, Jess the cat's, etc.) as weaponry. The film seemed to be an animated version of Iron Man, Mission Impossible, X Factor, as well as a montage of other adult films, all about danger, evil and the intent to inflict harm.

I felt sad to listen to the gorgeous giggles and squeals of laughter from the two little 2 year olds in the row in front of us which kept switching off like a tap when another 'scary' bit came along.

I wonder why feeling unsafe is now marketed as a form of entertainment to children aged 0-5 and how this fits with helping children to develop a healthy frame of reference concerning what safe feels like?.....

I feel very intrigued to hear from others who might have seen this film and what your thoughts are?

Judith

Hi Judith,
I haven't seen it, or heard from anyone else who has, but have little doubt I would share your views from the way you describe it. Sounds not at all like the Postman Pat my children used to watch all those years ago
Ann