How many times can a classic fairy tale be reinvented? Out of those times, how many are actually successful?
We know the answers to these questions because there’s a hatred in our hearts each time an individual tries to mess with our childhood stories. Peter Pan is no exception and director Joe Wright (Atonement, Hanna) scrabbles to find the enchantment and wonder of our imagination in Pan. Now, in no way am I saying there isn’t a valiant effort being displayed. It’s a family friendly adventure providing a dose of magic in the air thanks to a beautifully breathtaking Neverland. Regrettably, Peter’s voyage to becoming the ageless, mythical Peter Pan is unable to enrapture, coming off as unnecessary.
Levi Miller plays Peter, a young orphan absconded to Neverland, who astonishes everyone when he shows he can fly. And no one takes more notice than Blackbeard (a bald Hugh Jackman having a delightful time). Blackbeard has made forgotten children his slaves, and with their forced abetting, he is sucking Neverland dry of fairy dust for immortality. Staying young is a big deal here. Obviously.
Be that as it may, Peter’s flight threatens Blackbeard’s very reign and existence. With help from Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara) and Hook (Garrett Hedlund), Peter searches for where he came from and who he is destined to become. Yet believing is a big part of that which is easier said than done.
Wright elevates this lively prequel with hypnotizing colors and atmosphere. His camera keeps the fantasy alive and well. The same can’t be said for the cast. Jackman’s performance coheres with the film, but his talents are underused. Except his vocal chords. He’s allowed to sing Nirvana on his boat. Mara is there to jump and run while looking exotic. Mission accomplished on that one. Though most annoying is Hedlund’s Hook. His eccentric Jack Nicholson expressions and voice are off-putting, sparking nothing but confusion with his notorious character.
While Wright’s decision making can be questioned, his choice for Peter deserves to be applauded. Miller may be small, but he enfolds everything we love about this endearing tale. He is a gallant Peter Pan, and beyond question, the wind beneath Pan’s wings. If only there was some leftover fairy dust to throw over it’s miscasting and derivative story.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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