When I was a kid one of the things I thought of being was a doctor, so that I could help find the cure for Cancer so it would be destroyed forever. This is another one of my favorite Pennuts specials which is strange to say since this is not entirely the most uplifting, well it kinda is due to the finale. And it's no doubt one of the most unique of the bunch because it deals with a serious and rather touchy subject, however it does it with dignity and subtlety. But I love this special because it's the most emotionally engaging and touching.The animation is unchanged as usual, wouldn't want it any other way. The music is solid, there is one really good song however it's the score at the end that I found memorable, it was just beautiful because of how emotional it was.The main stars of this are Linus whom to me is at his emotional best and for once is without his blanket which I thought was a wise choice showing some growth and maturity to the character.But also on a character that isn't a regular to the Pennuts gang, Janyce who is I think a beautiful character, I really like how we do get a certain amount of depth to her character that I actually found myself caring for her. She is a youthfully spirit that just has great aspirations in life.The chemistry between both Linus and her I felt was genuine and kinda beautiful, sure there was Linus and Sally but those two are just friends and never really added up to much. Here it's different because both interact on a more deeper level, I personally wouldn't of minded if this special was longer would of like more scenes with both of them.And this of course makes this special all the more sad, just hearing the news about Leukema from Janyce and what she has to go though really hits hard. It wasn't fair but it really presented the reality that this kinda of thing can hit anyone at any age at any time, no one is immune to the possibility of death.There are a lot of other memorable moments as we see Linus and Janyce go though the motions, like one moment I'll remember when some random blowhole just picks on Janice for no good reason and does something uncool and that moment Linus just loses his cool. I just thought it was interesting just seeing hot white anger on Linus's face really looked like he was seconds away from punching that kid as he does what any good boyfriend should do, defend his girlfriend. All I can say is way to go Linus and yeah what that blowhole did made my blood boil red hot too, insult to injury isn't funny.But of course the one moment that really stuck with me was when Linus asked Charlie Brown the question which of course is the title itself. I'll admit it was a bit heart wrenching hearing that and this is from a character that usually has the answers but for once he doesn't. That's a question we all ask when faced with this terrible dilemma, and to this day I honestly don't have the answer.It then of course gets down to an ending that I'll admit put happy tears in my eyes, and was hopeful.If the film has messages they are these, treasure life and live it well because none of us have as much time as we think. But also to never stop fighting.Janyce and many others won her fight, and I believe we will win the war against Cancer.Rating: 4 stars

While I love Charlie Brown, still really Linus is my favorite as the voice of reason. And as the conscience of Charlie and the kids. Charlie kind of takes a backseat to Linus.As he falls in love with a blonde hair girl. As she gets leukemia. And loses her hair. As she must have treatment. And Linus really is grieved with this. Loved the way that he stood up to a bully. Who was making fun of her, for losing her hair. Later the bully becomes nicer. After learning of her disease.As Linus really took the spotlight. Wished that he could take the spotlight more. As really he is my favorite of the Peanuts. Even before Charlie Brown!Touching and moving and risky for a cartoon to take on the cancer thing. As kids needed to know how cancer is involved.

This one will probably continue to hold the award for Most Annoying Shouting By An Aggrieved Child until the 5th Harry Potter book is filmed. These Charlie Brown cartoons always had an unpolished speaking style for the kids' voices, which in the early days was cute and winning. The stilted shouting was funny when it was Linus ranting about the Great Pumpkin. But they use the exact same phony-sounding style when the issue being discussed is cancer, so the whole thing comes off as hokey. The worst part is when Linus lectures an insensitive kid on his cruel comments about the girl who's lost her hair through chemotherapy. It's loud, toneless, and self-righteous, and just made me want to belt him in the mouth, rather than making me feel sympathetic.

It's one of those things that you think is too good to really exist. "Have you seen that Charlie Brown special where the chick gets cancer?" It's surreal, like if there were an episode of Sesame Street where Oscar the Grouch catches HIV from a dirty needle in his trash can. They missed a great opportunity for a funeral scene where they play the Charlie Brown theme on an organ, Linus has a black blanket, Snoopy dances in place really slow.