Disney has in the past crafted some impressive stories based on fairy tales and children’s novels, and in turn, they have delivered some pretty impressive animated films. We are living in a time where these stories are being re-told in live-action using new technology and effects and we have been able to re-live these stories again. From Cinderella to Aladdin, these films have captured a new generation of imaginations and that brings us to their latest re-telling with the Disney+ release of Peter Pan & Wendy.
Peter Pan has had several different re-tellings over the years from Hook to Pan, and each one has the same story of a young boy who refuses to grow up and a pirate who has a grudge against him. This basic premise is back in this film, and instead of following the book that the original film was based of it instead follows the same story, visually speaking as well, of the animated Disney film. The original was magical and really did feel like a fairy tale being brought to life. The magic is still here, but the story deviates a little bit and sadly feels a little hollow. Instead of feeling like a fairy tale, it feels like a folklore tale, with the green landscapes of Britain providing an almost mythic feel to the film. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot to see with Neverland, it feels big but empty and the scope is there but it feels like a wide blank canvas that desperately needs filling it.
One of the saving graces of the film is the characters. It is a joy to see the characters of Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Wendy Darling and Tinkerbell back on the screen. They are cast perfectly with Alexander Molony in his first big screen role as Peter Pan and Jude Law as the menacing Captain Hook. Their stories deviate a little towards the end and attempt to make a more justified reason for their bickering and rivalrous relationship, which in turn makes the film feel a little pointless. The result is a threat which isn’t as great as the original film. The pirates don’t feel as menacing and there is no real sense of danger, except for a great bit with the crocodile which is sadly all too fleeting. The peril isn’t there but the magic is. Tinkerbell remains a voice-less role in the most part, but she holds a lot of heart as she saves and stands by Peter Pan when he needs hers.
The themes of growing up and becoming an adult are still prevalent in the film, as Wendy must learn she is growing up and needs to let go of her childish spirit. Ever Anderson who plays Wendy makes us want to believe that she doesn’t want to grow up and yet she gives a very mature performance as the character. This doesn’t feel intended but it makes you wonder why they didn’t cast someone who has a more child-like sense of wonder. There are quite a few faults to the film and perhaps with a few more characters, some change in casting and more visual details then this film could’ve felt a bit more whimsical and full of life.
Filmmaker David Lowery is great with character though and the development of Peter Pan is one of the few highlights of the film. His past work on Pete’s Dragon can almost be seen as a companion piece to this film. With less reliance on visual effects and action set-pieces and more moments with the characters and exploring the outdoors too. The Celtic influences from Pete’s Dragon are here, and maybe the filmmaker should have deviated a little bit but this appears to be one filmmaker who appears to be stuck with the same style like his other films, as he provides a less is more technique. The overall outcome for this film is that it loses the sense of childhood that the original had and appears to be confused as to what tone it does want to convey. There is little fun, and the pastel colours give the film a little life but there are other and better versions of Peter Pan out there.
★★☆☆☆
2/5
Final Verdict:
Peter Pan & Wendy is a film that fails to captivate the same essence as the original. The film looks very beautiful with the landscapes and the very few visual effects working to its advantage, but sadly the magic of the original isn’t here. The whimsical-ness and wonder are gone and replace with an almost bland-ness and emptiness to the world. Even the cast can’t help save the story, despite a compelling performance from Jude Law. This is one iteration with a perspective that doesn’t really land as well as other adaptions do.
Thanks for reading today’s blog!
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
Comments