Why, Charlie Brown, Why? (1990)

"Why, Charlie Brown, Why?" is a television short film that runs for slightly over 20 minutes and was written by Charles M. Schulz. but this is already everything that this one has in common with the other Peanuts movies. The topic in here is leukemia, fairly heavy material for the franchise actually. Linus' little friend has blood cancer and the title of this film is a question he asks to Charlie Brown. poor Linus and poor Janice as well. It's really not fair. Luckily for everybody (including audiences), things take a turn for good in the end. Still, it's a rarity that you see a Peanuts character crying and having such a severe anger attack like Linus does in this film. My favorite Peanuts movie I believe and I very much recommend it. Thumbs up. Oh yeah, this one also was nominated for an Emmy, but unluckily lost it to "The Simpsons" who were already a thing back 25 years ago. How time flies... "Why, Charlie Brown, Why?" is not only a very heartfelt movie, but also nicely educational for young audiences who probably know absolutely nothing about (blood) cancer. Give it a watch. You will not regret it.

When I was a kid one of the things I thought of being was a doctor, so that I could help find the cure for Cancer so it would be destroyed forever. This is another one of my favorite Pennuts specials which is strange to say since this is not entirely the most uplifting, well it kinda is due to the finale. And it's no doubt one of the most unique of the bunch because it deals with a serious and rather touchy subject, however it does it with dignity and subtlety. But I love this special because it's the most emotionally engaging and touching.The animation is unchanged as usual, wouldn't want it any other way. The music is solid, there is one really good song however it's the score at the end that I found memorable, it was just beautiful because of how emotional it was.The main stars of this are Linus whom to me is at his emotional best and for once is without his blanket which I thought was a wise choice showing some growth and maturity to the character.But also on a character that isn't a regular to the Pennuts gang, Janyce who is I think a beautiful character, I really like how we do get a certain amount of depth to her character that I actually found myself caring for her. She is a youthfully spirit that just has great aspirations in life.The chemistry between both Linus and her I felt was genuine and kinda beautiful, sure there was Linus and Sally but those two are just friends and never really added up to much. Here it's different because both interact on a more deeper level, I personally wouldn't of minded if this special was longer would of like more scenes with both of them.And this of course makes this special all the more sad, just hearing the news about Leukema from Janyce and what she has to go though really hits hard. It wasn't fair but it really presented the reality that this kinda of thing can hit anyone at any age at any time, no one is immune to the possibility of death.There are a lot of other memorable moments as we see Linus and Janyce go though the motions, like one moment I'll remember when some random blowhole just picks on Janice for no good reason and does something uncool and that moment Linus just loses his cool. I just thought it was interesting just seeing hot white anger on Linus's face really looked like he was seconds away from punching that kid as he does what any good boyfriend should do, defend his girlfriend. All I can say is way to go Linus and yeah what that blowhole did made my blood boil red hot too, insult to injury isn't funny.But of course the one moment that really stuck with me was when Linus asked Charlie Brown the question which of course is the title itself. I'll admit it was a bit heart wrenching hearing that and this is from a character that usually has the answers but for once he doesn't. That's a question we all ask when faced with this terrible dilemma, and to this day I honestly don't have the answer.It then of course gets down to an ending that I'll admit put happy tears in my eyes, and was hopeful.If the film has messages they are these, treasure life and live it well because none of us have as much time as we think. But also to never stop fighting.Janyce and many others won her fight, and I believe we will win the war against Cancer.Rating: 4 stars

This one will probably continue to hold the award for Most Annoying Shouting By An Aggrieved Child until the 5th Harry Potter book is filmed. These Charlie Brown cartoons always had an unpolished speaking style for the kids' voices, which in the early days was cute and winning. The stilted shouting was funny when it was Linus ranting about the Great Pumpkin. But they use the exact same phony-sounding style when the issue being discussed is cancer, so the whole thing comes off as hokey. The worst part is when Linus lectures an insensitive kid on his cruel comments about the girl who's lost her hair through chemotherapy. It's loud, toneless, and self-righteous, and just made me want to belt him in the mouth, rather than making me feel sympathetic.

I first watched this when I was a little girl and believe me, it stays with you forever! It really helps little kids understand about death. It's the best Charlie Brown episode I've ever seen. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in seeing a great Charlie Brown episode, or anyone who likes Charlie Brown for that fact. It is one you can't miss and can't watch without getting a little teary eyed.