Peter Pan [PG]

All children grow up... except one.

When Wendy’s father tells her that it is time for her to grow up, she and her brothers run away from home with Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, and go to Neverland where they have many adventures. But soon, for Wendy, the novelty of fighting pirates, flying, fairies, and mermaids disappears and she begins to wonder if growing up is altogether unavoidable. 

J. M. Barrie’s timeless tale of adventure and fantasy is given new life in this visually stunning version. Filled with absolutely everything from action to romance, it’s a wonderful film that the entire family can enjoy time and time again. 

Wendy Darling is getting older and one night her father finally tells her that it’s time for her to grow up. Upset and angry, Wendy and her brothers, John and Michael, run away from home with Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, and they go to Neverland, a wonderful place that is the stuff of their dreams, where they have many grand adventures. But soon, for Wendy, the novelty of fighting pirates, flying, dancing with Indians, fairies, and mermaids disappears, and she begins to wonder of growing is in fact unavoidable. 

This is just a great film all round. The special effects for the fantasy elements of the story were absolutely dazzling and special attention needs to be paid to the art department and set designers because every set in this film was absolutely brilliant from the Black Castle to the Jolly Roger to Peter’s home in the forest. An amazing, really amazing display of talent and craft that actually can put a fair bit of pressure on the actors, as they have to really fight to keep the limelight on them. 

I also need to draw some attention to the most beautiful instrumental soundtrack, composed by James Newton Howard. It’s just gorgeous and I am seriously going to get myself a copy to listen to as I go to sleep at night. And then the perfect balance of action, comedy, and romance is just the icing on the cake. Between Hook and Peter’s great swordfights to Wendy’s lovesick and mature performance, everything, literally everything was right in this film; the swordfights, fantasy creatures, and flying appeal to the junior audience and then the slightly grandiose and mature script keeps the adults just as enthralled. It’s brilliant. JUST BRILLIANT! 

Starring Jeremy Sumpter, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Geoffrey Palmer, Olivia Williams, Jason Isaacs (who plays a duel role and has to be the best Captain Hook ever!), Richard Briers, Harry Newell, Freddie Popplewell, Ludivine Sagnier, and Lynn Redgrave, Peter Pan is a wonderful family film that’s packed with action, adventure, romance, comedy, fantasy, and magic. It’s a really visually stunning treat that every family can enjoy.