After old Mr. McGregor (Sam Neil) dies, his countryside home is left to his great-nephew Thomas (Domhnall Gleeson), an uptight Londoner just as keen on keeping rabbits out of his garden as his predecessor. Peter Rabbit (voiced by James Corden) and his family are more than happy to take the fight to him though.

Peter Rabbit is a surreal film that more than delivers on the family fun it promises. It has zany Looney Tunes violence, musical montage moments (one or two too many for a 95 minute film), genuinely funny adult commentary (jokes about nepotism are generally lost on children), reverent homage (Rose Byrne’s character is called Bea for Beatrix Potter) and quirky knowing comedy (when we visit London the film knows it has to show the cliche landmarks). There are laugh out loud moments for adults and children throughout.

It’s weakness lies in its choice of voice casting for its main character. James Corden is irritating as Peter and does not promote any feeling of sympathy for the put upon rabbit. But whilst I found myself rooting for the new Mr. McGregor its a small bone to pick when the target audience won’t care.

A family film everyone can (mostly) enjoy then.