Postman Pat - The Movie Poster

When adapting a children’s TV show that has an established, expectant audience in already in place, to fully succeed you need to ensure that you remain faithful to the tone and spirit of the much-loved series, and to enlarge cinematically with minimum contrivance. While Postman Pat’s debut on the silver screen may deliver in both aspects, it remains a somewhat alienating production as far as the parents are concerned, with little in here to appease all members of the family.

In Mike Disa’s endeavour, Pat’s journey does feel greater, with more dramatic implications to the narrative, to warrant this big screen release. Pat (Stephen Mangan), along with his trusty pet cat Jess, is determined to take his wife on a holiday to Italy. To raise some funds, he decides to enter into a national talent contest, to show off his unique singing ability, and go head-to-head with favourite Josh (Rupert Grint), and impress the judge Simon Cowbell (Robin Atkin Downes). However while Pat copes with his newfound fame, back in Greendale his job is put under threat with the introduction of robot postmen.

In some family animations, like Wallace and Gromit’s The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, for instance, there are a handful of subtle puns and euphemisms littered across the movie for the parents to enjoy, but this film struggles to have that cross-over appeal. Parents will be left to either embark on a trip down memory lane, or if they’re so inclined, have a brief nap. The themes themselves are relatively pertinent though, as Pat has been brought into the contemporary world triumphantly, modernising the tale accordingly and exploring the implications of starring on reality TV, and flags the value of having a post-office with human employees and not just machines, a theme that’s particularly relevant given the cuts to the London Underground. This film marks the preservation of traditionalism, which is an encouraging message to preach.

In regards to a character arc, however, it’s difficult to provide one for Pat, as his inherent good nature and generosity, mixed with an infectiously optimistic outlook on life, doesn’t allow for much scope in regards to development. So in this instance, the screenwriters have made a wise decision to ensure he remains blissfully happy throughout in his own little bubble, and leaves the nasty stuff to the robots impersonating him.

In the meantime, it’s significantly distracting when Pat starts to sing. With Ronan Keating providing the vocals, it just doesn’t work. When Pat talks, he sounds like Stephen Mangan putting on a northern accent. When he sings, he sounds like the lead singer of Irish boy-band Boyzone. It’s just incompatible and searingly different in tone and accents. That being said, it’s unlikely the kids will notice, nor care for that matter – and that’s what truly counts in this case. Ignore me, the kids will love it!

[Rating:3/5]