REVIEW: ‘Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical’ Hits The Right Notes Of Humour And Heart
- Emma Fisher
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
This article contains spoilers for Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical.
Summer camp can be a magical place, unless you're Sally Brown. In Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical, streaming August 15 on Apple TV+, the Peanuts gang returns to Cloverhill Ranch for one last summer, mixing hijinks with lessons about change, friendship, and holding on to the places that matter.
Sally is the heart of this special, deeply unconvinced by the idea of summer camp. “Best time ever? We’ll see about that,” she deadpans early on. From the first trumpet wake-up call to a well-meaning tie-dye prank orchestrated by Franklin, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Woodstock, Sally is not having a good time. Charlie Brown, however, is determined to make summer monumental, given that it’s his last at the camp.
The animation is charming, with just the right balance between nostalgia and freshness. While the new voice for Charlie Brown may not quite capture the sincerity long-time fans will recognise, the overall characterisation remains spot on.
Much of the film revolves around Sally’s (sometimes reluctant) journey from sceptic to believer. One of the best scenes involves her stepping into the lake with the other kids in a moment of trust, only to flee in terror after stepping on a twig that she’s convinced is a lake snake. Her horror is both hilarious and entirely understandable.
Later, unable to sleep due to the wildlife, she opens her cabin door and calls out, "Could we please get some peace and quiet around here?" Instantly, the fireflies and crickets scatter. The next morning, a trumpet wakes her. She's not used to this, nor is she impressed. Can you blame her?
Like those that come before it, Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical balances humour with emotional beats. When Charlie Brown finds Sally by the camp’s history wall, she’s staring at old photos, wondering why anyone would love the place. Ever the loving brother, he gently replies, “Everyone’s a little nervous when they first get here.” It’s a reminder that this special, though aimed at children, offers comfort for adults too regarding change, nostalgia, and the courage it takes to try something new.
Of course, the film also ventures into musical territory, something it proudly wears in its title. With songs from writers and composers Ben Folds and Jeff Morrow, most numbers are sweet, though at least one might test the patience of any nearby adults. But they’re sincere, and that’s what counts. Sally even gets her solo about why she’s justified in being wary of everything. While the song clearly sets up her development from sceptic to eager camper, there’s an underlying message about respecting people’s boundaries and allowing them to move at their own pace, as those around her realise.
Her transformation really begins when she meets Lula May, a horse who gently licks her face. That moment softens Sally entirely, and it's heartwarming to see her relax and enjoy herself.
But just as she’s settling into summer camp, a new challenge appears: the camp is closing. Not enough kids are attending, and the adults have seemingly given up. Some of the older campers, ready to move on, don’t feel the need to fight for it. However, Charlie Brown wants his sister to spend her summers there as he did. Sally, now newly enamoured with Cloverhill Ranch, steps up. “We have to save the camp,” she declares.
Snoopy’s subplot, which involves finding a sunken treasure chest alongside Woodstock, ties in here beautifully. It turns out to be a time capsule, dating back to 1922, filled with memories of camp musicals and festivals. Charlie Brown gets the idea to revive the tradition and put on one final show to save the camp and remind everyone what it meant.
There’s a moment that will likely sail over kids’ heads but will hit hard for grown-ups: “We have to protect these kinds of places. Because once they're gone, they're gone forever.” It’s a sobering line tucked neatly into a feel-good special, and it lands.
Naturally, things don’t go smoothly. On the morning of the festival, rain and thunder threaten to wash away their hard work. But just as Charlie Brown starts to sing a number about not giving up, the skies clear and a crowd appears.
The final scenes are emotional in all the right ways. The kids return photos to the empty spaces on the history wall, continuing the tradition for Sally, her friends, and the future of Cloverhill Ranch. After all, they're leaving the camp better than they found it. The goodbye song they sing is especially sweet, filled with warmth and hope as friends part ways and some bid farewell to summer camp for the last time. And best of all? Sally’s going back next year.
Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical is a story about change, perseverance, and embracing the unfamiliar. It's thoughtful and unashamedly sentimental in the best way possible. And really, any film that ends with Snoopy happy is a win in my book.
Rating: ★★★★☆
About Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
Premiere Date: August 15
Executive Producer: Craig Schulz, Cornelius Uliano, Josh Scherba, Logan McPherson, Bryan Schulz, Paige Braddock, Stephanie Betts
Writer: Craig Schulz, Cornelius Uliano, Bryan Schulz
Director: Erik Wiese
Production: Apple Studios, Peanuts Worldwide, Schulz Studio
Distribution: Apple TV+
Cast: Etienne Kellici, Hattie Kragten, Terry McGurrin, Jayd Deroché, Isabella Leo, Lexi Perri, Wyatt White, Caleb Bellavance, Arianna McDonald, Zoe Wheatley, Rob Tinkler
Synopsis: “Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical” is a musical special about the joy and magic of summer camp and the importance of preserving what you love. Charlie Brown loves camp and is determined to make his final year special, but Sally – a first-time camper – is nervous and skeptical of the new and unfamiliar place. While everyone settles into camp, Snoopy and Woodstock discover a treasure map that takes them on a wild adventure nearby.