PETER PAN (2003)

Rated PG.

by Jane Louise Boursaw

I’ve never been a big fan of this movie, and I can’t say why exactly. The story just never appealed to me. Yeah, the flying-people part is intriguing, but Perky Peter is way too perky and – dare I say it – waaaaay too annoying.

But this 2003 film is much different from the previous versions. This is no kiddy-flick. It has more of a Lord of the Rings feel to it – fab special effects, non-stop action, and lavish scenes of lush forests, a gloomy castle, a menacing pirate ship, and a cool underground home, tailor-made for any kid with a fantasy.

Not only that, previous versions (not counting Hook, which really doesn’t count) have shied away from the attraction between Peter and Wendy. Sure, they’re only 13-ish, but their on-screen chemistry makes me hope that THIS version will end differently – that Peter will indeed decide to re-join the real world, so he and Wendy can grow up together, get married, make beautiful babies, and live happily ever after. But, sadly, he’s “the boy who won’t grow up”…

I love the casting. Rachel Hurd-Wood is great as Wendy (her first role), and everyone from The Lost Boys to Wendy’s family in London are terrific, including Lynn Redgrave as Aunt Millicent. My one caveat is Peter, played by Jeremy Sumpter. He’s a disturbing cross between Chip from My Three Sons and that bad-boy-musician Billy Idol. I was completely distracted by this during the whole movie!

All in all, though, this is a high-class re-make I’d highly recommend. It’s ok for kids ages six and up, if they’re not scared by sword fights, menacing pirates, ghoulish mermaids, and a few gloomy scenes. The most disturbing scene to me was when Captain Hook made Wendy walk the plank, but of course, Peter sweeps by and picks her up, so all is well.

My kids actually wandered away during the more tender scenes between Peter and Wendy, but were drawn back to the screen when the swords came out. The DVD offers lots of great extras, including a trip to “flying school.”

SCORE: 3 out of 4 Reels.

JANE'S REEL RATING SYSTEM:

One Reel – Pathetic. Even The Force can’t save it.

Two Reels – Tolerable. Coulda been a contender.

Three Reels – Pleasant. Something to talk about.

Four Reels – Wow!  The stuff dreams are made of.

Read my other reviews here.