Rating: Summary: Great Family Movie Review: I enjoyed this movie as much as my chldren did! It was like "Peter Pan Meets the Pirates of the Carribean"--much more exciting than the Disney cartoon! There is some violence (Captain Hook is a bad guy, afterall), but it isn't dwelt on, and didn't bother my kids at all.A very good movie, indeed!
Rating: Summary: Great Movie! Great Story Telling! Review: This was a very good movie. It is by far the closest rendition of J.M. Barrie's original story of Peter Pan. I went to see this movie because I wanted to see Jason Isaacs characterizations of Captain Hook and Mr. Darling. He was flawless. Jeremy Sumpter was perfectly cast as Peter Pan. To me the book is about growing up. The fight between Captain Hook and Peter Pan is really about Wendy's fears of this. Had Captain Hook won, the Wendy as a child would have died. Neverland would cease to exist. When she returns home Peter Pan won't return with her. This is the only way the story could end. Wendy is the one that is making the choice to let go of her childhood fantasies. But of course she doesn't totally let go of it. Peter Pan is still alive. The movie shows the fantasy of Neverland beautifully. It has Indians, Pirates, Fairies, Mermaids, and a Ticking Crocodile. Plus there is a dog as a nanny. The characters have more depth and emotion to them than the other versions that have been made. All of the Peter Pans have been good to watch and are entertaining. However, this movie is the best at depicting the story of Peter Pan. There are moments of the book that have been left out of the movie that I had hoped were there. But the story is still fantastic to watch. I would recommend seeing this movie.
Rating: Summary: Another review for PP! Review: My Peter Pan movie review -- I have been waiting forever for this DVD to come out...now its out...FINALLY. First things first - Trailers. The trailers should be like any other movie, you can just easily press the menu button and let it take you there. But I guess Universal wants to promote their other 2 big movies "The Cat in the Hat" and "Two Brothers" Then we're shown flying to Neverland with clips from the movie. The main title consists of "Play movie" "Bonus features" "Set up" and "Scenes" the first thing I clicked was BONUS FEATURES. Then Tinkerbell flies us to the bonus features menu with 5 options - "The Pirate's Ship", "The Black Castle", "The Darling House", "The neverland forest", and "The Home underground" I'll just go one by one down the list "The Pirate's ship" shows the children atop the clouds then zooms into the Jolly Roger, playing "Learning to Fly" from the soundtrack. You get an inside look onto the making of the ship, through the eyes of captain hook which takes you through Jason Isaac's POV camera, and you get to meet the other cast members and learn many things. The Pirates Vs. the lost boys is which is better -- pirates or lost boys? I vote lost boys :D and also the lost pirate song which sounds like it wouldn't go with the movie. 3 songs for Jason? Ack "The Black Castle" plays the ending of "Mermaids" and has the picture of the Black Castle in the background and has options to see them making the black castle. Learning to fly is kind of self explanatory. You get to see the inside look on how the harness and the blue screens work. The Mermaids tale I personally enjoyed because the mermaids are all eery looking and could give you nightmares for months "The Darling House" doesn't play anything from the soundtrack :( they of course have the alternate ending, in which Peter takes Jane to Neverland with him. No music, bad editing. I didn't like it lol. The doghouse scene is obviously for little children...I didn't really like it. It wouldn't work, except that it shows he's "brave", thinking of others before himself. Me and my shadow I found REALLY interesting. I loved how they showed how they did the shadow work with Aunt Millicent -- one of my favorite scenes. It's too bad the shadow doesnt really look like Peter as my being thrown off by the spikey hair. In the dog house with nana is cool too, how they trained them to slip around and "carry" a boy down the hallway into the bathtub. It makes me feel like crap with my dogs who don't even know how to sit for more than 5 minutes lol. "Neverland forest" plays "Flying" from the soundtrack and you're shown in the neverland forest. You get to see what they do to make the forest, the insider on Ludvigne aka Tinkerbell, the insider on the fairies and the fairy dance (another favorite scene) and the I do believe in fairies scene! I also liked learning what Tiger Lily says in that indian language to Hook at that one point. "Home Under the ground" not really interesting...plays one of my favorite tracks "Flying Jolly Roger" I didn't get the time to watch most of the Sarah Ferguson thing but I will ASAP. The duchess's outtakes should be the movie outtakes that'd be a little more interesting...sorry to Ferguson fans but I'm sure most of you might agree. I liked watching them make the home and the interviews with the lost boys The movie is the same as always - I love it! Even more now that I can watch it every time I want to without having to drive 5 miles and spend 10 dollars. I hope next time I can get widescreen. I was so excited I didn't check the label until I got home and it said full screen. Now there's 5 lost boys LOL
Rating: Summary: "Fine casting"? I don't think so. Review: Jeremy Sumpter, the child actor who plays Peter, is perhaps the worst child actor I have ever seen. Sure, he looks great, but every time this kid opens his mouth it makes me cringe. For one, he's not British - and all the other actors are! He also has an unmistakable lisp. There is no purity, honesty, or energy to this child's performance. About the DVD- The dialogue, or narration, on the DVD's special features are incredibly corny. And why weren't the selections all compiled into one "making-of" feature? The menus are annoying to flip through, and you must do this often, due to the unneccesary amount of selections that deal with every single set piece and character. Again, if you prefer actors over effects, you will be sadly disappointed. I'd rather watch Hook for the millionth time. If you liked Hook, you'll hate this.
Rating: Summary: Absolutely Wonderful Review: I rented this eagerly since I missed it in the theaters. What I expected wasn't exactly what I got. This turned out to be a wonderful adaption from the book. The special effects made Neverland look like it should, unlike others like "Hook" and Disney's cartoon. What surprised me the most was the psychological level to this movie. Yes, children will fall in love with it. But there is another element to be enjoyed by older viewers. I would expect some overprotective parents to be offended by this movie. But quite honestly it's as innocent as it could be, since children really won't understand the double play on Hook and Wendy's father, nor the relationship between Wendy and Peter in it's entirety. If you're looking for something interesting that will entertain both you and children alike, this is your movie.
Rating: Summary: flawless adaptation of this children's classic Review: I have a child. I have seen EVERY version of Peter Pan made -- many many times. Imagine my *delight* at seeing yet another version (sarcasm here) when the film came out in theaters. I have to admit, however, that I was immediately and continuously impressed by this superb adaptation of J.M. Barrie's classic children's tale, and bought the dvd as soon as it came out. The cast is absolutely perfect. Jeremy Sumpter in the title role is wonderful, bringing a mischievous energy and boyishness to the part that has been amazingly and consistently missing (having been played by Mary Martin and Robin Williams). I'll also single out Rachel Hurd-Wood as Wendy and Jason Isaacs as Captain Hook/Mr. Darling for their great performances, but the entire cast is terrific. The script is spectacular, exploring the subtext of the Pan story in a simple but profound way that puts film critics' shameless psycho-jargon to shame. It is the kernel of truth wrapped round a rousing adventure story -- replete with cruel pirates, brave Indians, sinister mermaids and loyal parents. Captain Hook's cruelty is evident, but takes place mostly off-screen and is never gory. This is a thinking (little) person's Peter Pan, certainly, drawing as it does on previously unexplored themes of the complexity of growing up, the consequences of our choices, and the acceptance of our children as they grow up, but it's also a gorgeous realization of Barrie's (and Wendy's) fantastical imagination. DVD extras are quite entertaining and include: an alternate ending, deleted scenes, Jason Isaacs' video diary, "The Legacy of Pan" with Sarah Ferguson, and a number of micro-minifeaturettes on flying, sets, etc. Too bad it lacks a commentary track but otherwise lots of fun. For Pan fans, highest possible recommendation; for all others, see above.
Rating: Summary: Not your Disney's Pan Review: Sure this movie has it's flaws, but don't they all? But this "Peter Pan" seems to have quite a few less than most movies coming out recently. Some folks complain that it isn't really a "kid's movie" with all the violence and swordfighting and shooting. And to them I say, "Did you actually ever read the book?!" It is not a "children's book" though it is billed as one simply because it's got fairies and a boy who won't grow up. This movie, in fact, throws in lots more things for the kids to be interested in than the book ever did. Anyway, despite some large changes, it holds to the feel of the book. It also manages to pepper itself liberally with direct quotes: "Eyes as blue as forget-me-nots," "nightlights are the eyes a mother leaves behind," "a hidden kiss in the right-hand corner of her mouth that Wendy could never get." All were culled straight from the book. Even the ingredients of Hook's poison were correct (and what child would understand a poison brewed from malice?). The acting is superb by everyone, though I was particularly entranced by Olivia Wood (Mrs. Darling) and was floored by the ever-so-sexy Jason Issacs (Captain Hook/Mr. Darling). Rachel Hurd-Wood (Wendy) is a promising young actress and Jeremy Sumpter (Peter Pan) is bright and brash. The special effects are gorgeous and lush, the colors highly saturated. And (my most important point) it sticks to the book. It is by far the closest to the feel and the plot of the original story. This is no Disney movie and no aging Mary Martin on strings either. This is a vibrant new Pan, bursting off the stage and I suggest you take advantage of it now.
Rating: Summary: Peter Pan Review: Peter Pan is visually stunning and lives up to it's original source.The characters are loveable.The dialogue and problems in the story are well written and acted.The story lives up to the other Peter Pan stories and cartoons and makes itself equally original and successful raking in almost $50,000,000 at the box office and VHS rentals.The special effects are vivid and exciting.Jeremy Sumpter does a good job as Peter along with the other actors playing Wendy and her brothers.Many fans of Peter Pan will love this movie.This is definetly a movie you will want to see this year.A haunting tale of adventure and dreams, Peter Pan has thrilled audiences around the world since it premiered on a London stage 100 years ago. But J. M. Barrie's classic story of the boy who wouldn't grow up - and the girl whose family insists that she must - has never been fully realized onscreen. In stifling Edwardian London, Wendy Darling mesmerizes her brothers nightly with bedtime tales of swordplay, swashbuckling and the fearsome Hook. But the children become the heroes of an even greater story when Peter Pan flies into their nursery one night and leads them over moonlit rooftops through a galaxy of stars to the lush jungles of Neverland. Wendy and her brothers join Peter and the Lost Boys in an exhilarating life free of grown-up rules, while also facing the inevitable showdown with Hook and his bloodthirsty pirates. Check it out. "What distinguishes this Peter Pan from other versions is its unsentimental insight into the terrors and delights of both childhood and growing up." A.O. Scott
Rating: Summary: I do believe, I do , I do!!!!! Review: I loved this movie, and so did my mother and two children!!! This new version of Peter Pan, based on the original writting of J.M. Barrie, was the best ever brought to a feature film, and the only one that had an actual boy instead of a woman, or a 40 something year old man!!!! Jeremy Sumpter was superbly cast for the lead role of Peter Pan, charming, energetic, cocky, but with a touch of sweetness, and realness that just captivates you. Jason Isaacs, and the young Rachel (Hook,Darling, and the young interest of Pan, Wendy), along with the lost boys and all the other casted characters were just wonderful. Hopefully this version will become a classic for generations to come!! I am very surprised that I didn't hear rave reviews about this movie when it hit movie theaters. I would definitely suggest for those that didn't see it or prejudged the movie all togethor, to go and rent or even better, go buy this movie!!!!! Trust me you'll enjoy it!!! For everyone , not just children or young teens, this movie grabs at the heart of everyone!!! It makes you remember the feeling of youth, first loves, being carefree, and always looking for an adventure!!!! I am the biggest kid at heart and always will be!!! P J Hogan did a great job directing this movie and I love him for it!! So go ahead, Neverland isn't that far away, think happy thoughts and its the second star to the right and then straight on til morning!!!
Rating: Summary: A spectacular film and a wondrous achievement Review: "Peter Pan" is such a great movie on so many levels that I don't even know where to begin! This film is no doubt director P.J. Hogan's crowning masterpiece. After years of being portrayed variously by grown women, cartoon characters, and an aging Robin Williams, Peter Pan finally reclaims his youthful boyishness in this first, and perhaps most faithful rendition of the classic story. The casting is superb from top to bottom. Unlike other versions, Hogan doesn't shy away at using young, talented actors and thus refuses to compromise realism. Jeremy Sumpter is fitting and delightful as the title role. However, it is the beautiful Rachel Hurd-Wood (whose name doesn't even appear on the DVD jacket! What a travesty!) who completely steals the show, and stole my heart! :-) Possibly the most gorgeous thing ever to walk the earth with her impossibly adorable eyes, the precocious Hurd-Wood combines her physical beauty with incredible depth in her acting. Her chemistry with fellow young actor Jeremy crackles with unusual intensity for ones so young. This version of the Peter Pan story includes a sweet, adorable romance between Wendy and Peter that is the real centrepiece of the film. Hogan doesn't sell us short, nor does he shy away at portraying young love in a positive light, in all its sweet, innocent glory. There's nothing to be ashamed of here; Hogan chooses to acknowledge that 13 year-olds fall in love too. The "fairy mid-air dance" between Wendy and Peter is one of the sweetest and most romantic scenes in recent cinematic history. And the final "thimble"! Wow! I won't ruin it for you guys. :) Let's just say, the true power of love is unleashed to save the day. And none of it would have worked if not for the genuine chemistry between the two young leads, whom I am told are good friends in real life. (Jeremy has expressed romantic interest in Rachel, but unfortunately it is not reciprocated) Jason Isaacs must also be given special mention for is phenomenal performance as the one and only Captain James Hook, AND Wendy's father! I couldn't tell until someone told me; wow! Now THAT's acting! Isaac gives probably the finest portrayal of Hook ever, AT LEAST on par with (if not surpassing) Dustin Hoffman's also fine performance. Isaacs gives Hook a level of emotional depth that I did not expect. Indeed we find it difficult not to empathise with the lonely, emotionally scarred captain, and can't help but wonder what skeletons hide in the closet of his past. However, I must note that the greatest thing about this film is also its biggest problem; whether purposely or unwittingly, Hogan has ended up making a version of Peter Pan whose target audience are adults. The film is much too nuanced, layered, and complex to be fully enjoyed by children. And it's much too serious. For the first time, the irony of Peter Pan's existence is explored. Pan's greatest gift is simultaneously his eternal curse; he cannot grow up, and thus he cannot receive his would-be girlfriend's love, nor can he live a full life. As Wendy said "You say you don't feel, but I think that is your biggest pretend". This complexity to Peter's character is fully exploited by the writers (and Hook) in the final battle between Hook and Peter. Even though Peter technically wins (through the triumph of love ;-), in a brilliant twist), we see that in the end, both Peter and Hook are essentially tragic characters, trapped in a similar curse. And, if this really had been a dark parody of the classic fairy tale for adults, I would suggest that the film should have ended with Peter lying on the deck of the Jolly Roger, exhausted and defeated not by Hook's sword, but by the unbearable truth of his words; this is how Peter Pan finally dies. Another level of complexity lies in the fact that Jason Isaacs plays both Wendy's father and Hook. One can interpet this entire adventure as Wendy's own imagination. The special effects of the film must also be given a mention; they are gorgeous and superbly done. Hogan has a distinctive style that beautifully gives live-action film a fantasy, almost cartoonish feel without sacrificing the realism and intellectual undertones of the movie. The mermaids were my favourite. Our familiar flippered friends are given a sinister, otherworldly look. Tinkerbell is also very well done, played by the delightfully expressive French actress Ludivine Sagnier. Alas, this is still technically a children's movie, and everyone ends smiling (except Hook, of course). Children will indeed enjoy this movie, but in the words of Dr. Frink from "the Simpsons", "You won't enjoy it on NEARLY as many levels as I will!" "Peter Pan" is a multilayered and complex treat of social psychology and anthropology. It is a very mature and philosophically rich movie. It can be enjoyed as a fantasy, a coming-of-age story, a very sweet romance, and/or an unapologetic and fearless analysis of Peter Pan's hidden, background themes. This movie will not disappoint the discerning viewer.
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