Sadly this film is missing too many elements to make this a good movie
The story of Peter Pan is a popular one among kids and adults. There have been a number of versions of this from the play to the Disney animated version and there have even been a few live action versions. There was even a movie about the way the director of the play came up with the idea of Peter Pan called Finding Neverland that starred Johnny Depp. But there has never been a film about how the whole story begins but that is about to change. A prequel can always make or break a series and here is what this writer thought of this movie.
The films takes place in England around World War 2. Peter (Levi Miller) is a boy who lives in an orphanage and has never met his mother or father. There is a woman who runs the place like a prison and makes sure the boys are without dreams and hope. But one night something extraordinary happens. Peter and a number of the boys are kidnapped by pirates in a flying ship and taken far away from the only home they have ever known. They end up meeting Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman) and find out they have been taken to Neverland. It is a place full of mystery and wonder with dangers beyond any of their wildest dreams.
It is here that Peter meets James Hook (Garrett Hedlund) and befriends him. They also bump into Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara) and find out Peter wears a necklace that makes him very unique. He has a destiny and a purpose that is greater than he ever could have imagined. But with Blackbeard working so many people in his mines for long hours and little food or sleep it becomes clear someone has to stop him. Blackbeard has a reason for all of his slaves working in the mines but no one is aware why. He has a dire goal and one that if it comes to fruition a lot of innocents will suffer. What is his evil plan? What is Peter’s mission in this magical land? And will he be able to stop whatever Blackbeard is planning before it is too late?
This is not a bad movie. The cast does a great job and the special effects are amazing. The soundtrack is good but some of the songs are out of place and don’t necessarily make sense. But the greatest thing going for this film is the message. It basically says that whether you think you are something special or not all you need is for someone to believe in you to make your dreams a reality. If you do this in life there is nothing you cannot accomplish.
This movie attempts to be a prequel to things that are to come in this series but much of it doesn’t fit in the time line. This is a movie that many fans will be confused or disappointed by and some may even get frustrated by what is going on. For what it is worth this writer enjoyed this movie but after giving it some thought it could have been much better. Of all of the films to come out about Peter Pan this is one of the worst ones yet and that is a real shame. It had the potential to be amazing but instead is only an alright movie.
The film gets 5/10. It is a good film to see with the family but long term fans of Peter Pan will see there is too much out of place here to make anything that will blow them away. It is another example of why prequels can be a risky move and if they are not done right they end up disappointing too many people and in time can be forgotten. This writer hopes it does well but the chances overall don’t look good. But it worth it seeing it in 3D because there is so much here that will pop out and amaze your senses at least for a while.
If you are looking for a film to see with your kids this is a movie to pick. If you want to see a good fantasy picture this is the one to watch. But if you are long term fans of this story it may be best to miss this one, you will most likely be disappointed instead of impressed. Pan comes out this Friday to a theater near you.
Check out the magical trailer here:
