How Do You See Peter Rabbit? Bad Seed or Mischievous Youth

When we last saw Peter in Peter Rabbit (2018), he lived with Bea in harmony next door to Mr. McGregor’s nephew, and all was well. I had such a hard time with the first Peter Rabbit movie because there are scenes so over the top in a child’s movie. However, I still decided to see and review this second version. Would it be as cringe-worthy as the first movie? In this Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway Christian Movie Review, I will give you the good, the bad, and the ugly. Additionally, if you would like to see my criteria for reviewing movies, visit My Movie Review Guidelines.

CHRISTIAN MOVIE REVIEW PETER RABBIT 2: The Runaway

The Synopsis of Sony’s Peter Rabbit 2

(From Sony Pictures) 2021 | FAMILY, COMEDY Rated PG. In PETER RABBIT™ 2: THE RUNAWAY, the lovable rogue is back.  Bea, Thomas, and the rabbits have created a makeshift family, but despite his best efforts, Peter can’t seem to shake his mischievous reputation. Adventuring out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated, but when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be.

My Synopsis:

Sony’s Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway begins with Bea and Tom McGregor getting married with all the animals of their adjoining properties in attendance. Shortly after the wedding, Bea receives a call from a “big publisher” who promises the sky to Bea, but she must change her sweet, lovable, furry friends into space explorers and beach bums. 

Peter (James Corden) can either stay as the Mischief Maker or be cast as the Bad Seed. Will Bea sacrifice Peter’s reputation and change who he really is?

What Parents May Want to Know – Sony Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway

The Good:

There are great lessons in this movie. Additionally, I didn’t have a cringy feeling the entire time I was watching the movie.

Furthermore, there are funny scenes, a cute storyline, and once again, Bea has a charming presence. There is far less screaming, and there is not constant fighting between Tom and Peter.

Content That May Be Objectionable:

Remember, not everything below are things I have a problem with, but I write so you know what content may be objectionable to some parents. As a Christian Movie review, I want parents to be informed about Peter Rabbit 2 and make wise choices for their families.

Early in the movie, there was a scene with Tom and Peter fighting, and all the other animals joined in. However, it was very mild in comparison with the first movie. There is plenty of slapstick and potty humor in this movie.

Language:

One hour after seeing this movie, my 16-year-old autistic son said, “What the Fudge?” – It is a line in this movie. Why?? Does Hollywood actually think that children will not repeat these types of lines, or do they not care. I, for one, do not want my child to say lines like this. 

There is similar “potty humor” language sprinkled throughout, and burping and belching happen quite frequently.

Violence:

Slapstick violence is scattered throughout the movie as the animals attack a woman in her home and plan and execute a great heist at a farmer’s market.

There are scenes where it appears that animals will be “boiled in a stew” or butchered, but no animals (real or CGI) are harmed in the movie.

Other Content:

One bunny gets “high” on jelly beans, and there is a bottle of alcohol.

Stealing of food happens frequently. Additionally, lying is a big part of this movie.

TEACHABLE MOMENTS

Sony Peter Rabbit: The Power of Our Words

There are great moments and fantastic teachable points if you can get past some of the off-color moments. 

The idea that words impact a person’s life is so clearly evidenced in this movie. Peter hears that he is a bad seed and believes that he is not redeemable. However, our words have the power to create life. Are we careful about the words we speak over our children?

Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

One of the themes of the movie is that a big publisher wants to transform the stories of Peter Rabbit into a commercial success and thereby change Bea’s loveable friends into something more in touch with modern children. Read the original Beatrix Potter stories to your children. The illustrations are charming and the books are amazing.

Another idea is to learn about the real “Bea.” Beatrix Potter wrote books about Peter and his family. Why?

Another great lesson is that you cannot trust everyone. Some people are waiting to take advantage of you. Be careful of people wanting to pull you into their schemes.

My Viewing Recommendations for Christian Parents

Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway is delightful in many ways. The irony of Bea not wanting her book to be ruined by capitalistic Americans is entertaining. I really wish that the original movie would have been half as good.

Overall, this movie is much better than the first Peter Rabbit. However, I would save this for a rainy afternoon when it comes out on DVD or streaming services.