Films for kids are never only for kids. Even if meant just as a carrier and safety-provider, an adult guardian is always present alongside its 3,4, even 11 year old in the cinema seat, equally deserving at least partial recognition during the screening. Mr. Peabody and Sherman, a story of a turbulent adoptive, trans-racial father(a beagle)-son(redhead boy) relationship, is a perfect example of how a decent portion of grown-up entertainment can be efficiently wrapped in a family movie formula. Some question Rob Minkoff’s (director of The Lion King and both Stuart Little films) ability to balance sheer kiddy fun and more sophisticated banter. To me it is not a matter of age, but of general intellectual curiosity some parents are determined to implement in their offspring’s minds, while others do not give a hoot about it. Mr. Peabody is for the curious ones.

If films for kids are partially for adults, their reviews are definitely for parents only. Serving more as a guide, an encyclopedia of potential new subjects, problems and parental challenges, they can become a useful handout for all the post-screening in-depth conversations with the kids. Seen from this angle, Mr. Peabody is an enjoyable challenge.

The variety of subjects the film touches upon is virtually endless, but somehow Minkoff and co. have managed to serve them all justice. Even if briefly skimmed, its universal and contemporary themes are never devoid of insightful analysis; or, at least, framed as an anecdote resulting in a valid point. Adoption, bullying, judging on first impression, social hierarchy, racism or cultural prejudices (here disguised as… dogism?), and different types of love are all portrayed in what an American would probably call a “liberal” light in this cinematic appraisal of equality and openness that happily overthrows some well established myths and presumptions.

Easily gonna tickle the fancies of the dog-lovers in the crowd, Mr. Peabody is a Nobel laureate, business titan, gourmet chef and two-time Olympic medalist, who also happens to be a multi-talented genius scientist who invented a time machine. Therefore, visiting different eras and ages is a big part of the plot itself, weaving endless historical and scientific references into the story’s tissue. A lot of crucial cultural landmarks are covered, from Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamen and his manor, Greeks hiding in the Trojan Horse, the French Revolution and Marie-Antoinette’s equally famous and bogus inner cookie monster, and even Da Vinci’s methods behind Mona Lisa. So many starting points for incredible stories and lessons for the kids!

Mr. Peabody can be optionally seen in 3D, added in post production probably by nature of habit and as a result of modern marketing strategies. The 3D is barely visible, neither enriching the image, nor distracting the viewer.

The film’s undeniable strength is its casting. Modern Family‘s Ty Burrell as Peabody has already become a symbol of entertainment trying to tackle complicated family matters, which adds a nice, metaphorical aftertaste to his otherwise spotless dubbing skills. Along with Max Charles as his son Sherman, they create a vigorous, funny duo, lighting up the screen and making their impossible relationship very credible on an emotional level. But it’s the second row of voice performances that makes Minkoff’s film a true stand out: special, low bows to the added talents of Stephen Colbert and Allison Janney, and a special thank you to Mel Brooks (as Sigmund Freud) and Stanley Tucci (playing Da Vinci).

Some might say that Mr. Peabody does not even come close to such genre classics as Shrek or Madagascar, but first of all: de gustibus non est disputandum. And second: does it really matter so much? Does everything have to be a race with a clear winner? I don’t think so. What I do know is that as a little tomboy, who loved adventures, had a crazy sense of humor, and devoured books of all sorts, my younger self would have been excited to participate in the thrilling ride Mr. Peabody offers its younger audience. Being an adult, whose tomboyishness has slightly dimmed, literature taste shifted, and with my sense of adventure rationalized, I still have a feeling of time – and money – very well spent.

Grade: B+