Prior to the screening, most of the parents believe that the movie is just for their children only until the movie begins and takes them through Peter Rabbit’s life-changing adventures.

Both parents and children alike express their sentiments about the movie. Some who sum up the movie in one word say it’s “awesome,” “while others say it’s “adventurous.” There are yet many others who cannot but go on to passionately air their views in entrancing.

Parents’ aftermath reactions

Maryan BT, the founder of Seven & Playground is exceptionally surprised that the movie’s target is not limited to the children but adults as well. Her words, “This movie is interesting and funny. To be honest, before I came to watch it, I didn’t watch the trailer so I didn’t know what to expect. I thought it would be a very kiddy movie but it’s a movie for all ages. Adults can enjoy it. It’s interesting. It’s hilarious. I was laughing so hard.

It was also very simple enough for children to understand and grasp the meaning and the lesson behind it. As you can see, I’m here with my four year old. I have an eight year old. I came with a bunch of kids. All of them enjoyed it. All of them were laughing. It’s a great entertainment for the family. I think the main lesson for me is tolerance.”

Omeyi Yangs, the founder of EveryMums, “It was a lovely movie. I like that it was very engaging, very funny and had a lot of lessons as well: tolerance, patience, forgiveness. So for me it was good that the movie taught its lessons in a way that a little child could understand. My children are here. They are all excited. We had a great time. Thank you for having us.”

Helen Ibru says, “It was hilarious. Honestly. It was a good time for the family. The kids loved it. The adults loved it. I think it’s a film that will work very well both with young and old. Even if you are different, you can find a way to work together.”

A parent, Hauwa Tokosi, expresses her surprise, endorses the movie for the family, and shares her favourite line from the movie, “The film is very interesting. A good watch for the family. I enjoyed it even though when I was coming I thought it was just going to be fun for my son but it turned out that I enjoyed it. There was a line that says sharing does not mean that you are losing. Peter was holding too much unto the lady. He felt he was going to lose the lady but it was just about sharing and I told my son at that point that when you share your toys, it does not mean that you are losing your toys.”

Dolapo Olunloyo, “The movie is awesome. I had a god time. It’s full of humour. It’s enjoyable. I love peter Rabbit, I like Thomas McGregor. They are the two characters that got me laughing all through. It’s a good movie for the whole family to see. I told my daughter when we were watching it, there are ways in which you apologize. It’s always nice to say I am sorry.”

Anjola Akiode describes the movie, “The best thing about watching a movie like this is you can come with the kids. It’s totally P.G, very funny, lots of fun. It also teaches you about tolerance, living together as one. I urge everyone who has not seen it to go to the cinemas nationwide, to see the movie, Peter Rabbit. Absolutely fantastic.”

Yetty Williams from Lagos mums stamps the movie for general viewership as she airs her views on different aspects of the movie, “The movie was fantastic. I think the adults were laughing more than the children. It was interesting, different, and clean. It’s nice to have a movie you can see with your children and not worry they can’t watch it with you. What I learnt from the movie is to be in touch with how you are feeling.

What you go through affects your behavior. Peter Rabbit is dealing with a lot of things and that’s why he behaves the way he does. But when he understands why he behaves that way, he is able to ask for forgiveness and clean up the mess he had created and love that was waiting to flourish was then able to happen. Adults should come and see this movie. There is a lesson for everybody in it. I laughed more than I have done seeing a lot of movies.”

Children’s responses

The children obviously love the movie for funny reasons. Little Rebecca likes “Peter Rabbit’s sisters because they support their brother.”  Little Jason is so enthralled by the titular character that when he is asked what he likes about the movie, he simply says “Peter Rabbit. He is a nice guy.” Kester Ebohon says he likes the main character, Peter Rabbit, because, “he is funny.”

Mimi Aramide Philips says, “The movie is nice and I love it. I love it because of Peter Rabbit who is funny and brave.” Joshua also likes Peter Rabbit but for a different reason, “I like Peter Rabbit because he is courageous.”  Soraya says “I like the movie because it is funny. I like Peter Rabbit because he is the main character.”

A word from the representative of the film distribution company

The Marketing Executor for Silverbird Film Distribution, Ewoma Luther-Abegunde, responds thus to a question on the significance of the screening, “What we’ve just done today is something that is also happening worldwide. T

his movie is not only releasing in our territory. Internationally, premieres are being held for Peter Rabbit. And so today, everyone that has had the opportunity to see this movie before it opens on Friday 30th of March now has an idea of what to expect. From all we’ve seen, it is obvious that this is a very interesting movie.”

Written by Omidire Idowu.

Omidire, Idowu Joshua is a critic, creative writer, professional editor and proofreader whose works have appeared in different publications. He currently writes and edits for publication firms, online magazines, cinemas and private individuals. You may reach him via noblelifeliver@gmail .com