by cmgore

Dec 31, 2003

Very good family film....Lots of fun! 

by The Lion

Mar 20, 2004

As with any new version of a classic story, there will be many who love it and many who really dislike it. Ultimately, I would expect the former to outnumber the latter with this version of J. M. Barrie's now classic story of a boy who lives with fairies (the enchanted pixie kind) and wants never to grow up.

The film plays out in the zestful, tongue-in-cheek but sincere style of the Harry Potter movies, but is certainly darker than the Disney cartoon version (as were the original book and play). The role of Peter, played by a boy for the first time in a live-action film, is well performed by 14-year old Jeremy Sumpter ("Frailty") whose impish grin and cocky strut give way to a credible sincerity in the more intimate scenes. It seems likely that this young man will have a real career ahead of him.

Newcomer Rachel Hurd-Wood is earnest and appealing as Wendy, the girl who is torn between Peter's freedom (and her affection for him) and the challenge of shedding childish things and assuming adult powers and responsibilities. Jason Isaacs is great fun as both the Darling children's father and as the deliciously evil Captain Hook, and Richard Brier is delightfully funny as Smee, Hook's first mate. And the rest of the cast is uniformly good.

The visualizations of Barrie's Neverland, as well as of a storybook London, are vibrant and imaginative and the musical score is rich and full. Those who don't like it will find plenty to quibble about. Those who like it will find much to admire. But the kids in the theatre (and many of the adults) when I saw it just yielded to unconditional love. There was no doubt that they did, indeed, believe in fairies. Somehow, I felt better for that. 

by Jonchick

Mar 21, 2004

A very cute move. It's a must see. the humor is soft but it is good for all ages.-kaitlin phillips