Poor old Charlie Brown, he's been struggling with the angst and insecurities of perpetual childhood for over 55 years now and still looks unlikely to ever see his teens. And although the idea of seeing what Chuck would be like as a teenager and beyond is a curious one, this new film, despite its CGI make-over, keeps the adventures of the Peanuts gang very much old skool.

It's a case of same old same old for Charlie Brown (Noah Schnapp); although he's forever the optimist, he's still self aware enough to realise that everyone he knows has a certain idea of the type of kid he is, and despite all his efforts to challenge this, they will always think of him the same way: one of life's likeable losers.

Then one day, a rare opportunity arises, when a new kid arrives on his block. A Little Red-Haired Girl (Francesca Capaldi) moves into the house opposite his, and in doing so, gives Charlie a chance to re-invent himself. This girl hasn't yet been tainted by the reputation that haunts him, so if he's quick and brave enough, he may just be able to project a new him that will impress her.

Charlie Brown is hampered though; not only is he smitten with this new arrival, he also has the legacy of being, well, Charlie Brown, which isn't going to be shaken off easily.

But with his best friend and life coach Snoopy (Bill Melendez) in his corner, there's a chance, albeit the slimmest of ones, that this new Charlie Brown could win the day.

There was a huge concern that the memory of yet another children's classic would be desecrated beyond recognition, just like poor Paddington. But by making the characters 3D (well, 2.5D to be accurate), doesn't, surprisingly, take away from the rich ethos of the Peanuts strip.

Although director Steve Martino (Ice Age: Continental Drift) has spruced things up technically with CGI, the characters and setting are comfortingly familiar. For instance, Charlie Brown has avoided a Gok Wan make-over and can still be found in his iconic yellow shirt with the black, zigzag pattern.

But it's not just his wardrobe that's been untouched, so has his personality. He may only be eight years old or so, but Charlie Brown still has an old, semi-wise head on his shoulders. He is a deep-thinker for sure, but it's still not enough to stop him from treading water. He may have had an extra (half) dimension added to his looks, but he's still, thankfully, quintessentially the same, as are the rest of the gang; Lucy (Hadley Belle Miller) is still as bossy and opinionated as ever, Peppermint Patty (Venus Schultheis) is still a tomboy with a soft spot for Charlie and Pig-Pen (A.J. Tecce) could still do with a good, long bath.

As ever though, there's one character that always ends up stealing the show - Snoopy. Not only does the world's most favourite beagle try his best to help poor Chuck out, but he once again faces his flying nemesis The Red Baron.

It's pleasingly reassuring that very little has changed in this big screen Peanuts outing. It has a timeless charm and cheeriness to it as it bathes in a warm sea of nostalgia. There are no laser battles, car chases, or loud explosions to contend with. The film is also devoid of any technological references; these are children blissfully unaware of all things iPod, who enjoy nothing more than - shock horror - playing outside with balls and kites with one another. In fact the closest thing to a gadget to appear in the film is Snoopy's manual typewriter. And it's for this reason that its audience is likely to be split right down the middle between the very young and, well, those who remember the simplicity of life that the film lovingly depicts.

Not even the dreary warblings of Meghan Trainor with the ubiquitous pop song tie-in is enough to dampen the experience.

The Peanuts Movie is a real treat for the very young, as well as delightfully enjoyable trip down memory lane for the rest of us. For the Charlie Brown in us all, both young and old.