Woodyanders Review of He's a Bully, Charlie Brown

He's a Bully, Charlie Brown (2006 TV Short)

Enjoyable Peanuts TV special

[8/10 · 25 February 2011]

Rerun is cheated out of his marbles at summer camp by cocky and obnoxious bully Joe Aggit. It's up to Charlie Brown to stick up for Rerun and put Aggit in his place. Once again, this special offers the usual winning blend of sweet warmth, gentle humor, and amiable well-defined characters. Directors Larry Leichliter and Bill Melendenz relate the story at a constant brisk pace and maintain a pleasant tone throughout. Snoopy is in fine form here: He gives Charlie Brown lessons on how to play marbles, packs up a ridiculously huge amount of stuff for summer camp (he even brings a bowling ball!), and reprises his supremely hip alter ego Joe Cool from "You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown." Moreover, it's a hoot to see Marcie make Peppermint Patty jealous by claiming her and Charlie Brown are getting intimate with each other. Better still, Charlie Brown gets to be a hero and actually wins for once. The big high stakes marbles game between the extremely hateful Aggit and Charlie Brown is a lot of fun. The jaunty'n'jazzy rendition of Vince Guaraldi's catchy and charming classic theme keeps things bubbling along. Worth a watch for Peanuts fans.