Star rating: ****
Cast: Jason Isaacs, Jeremy Sumpter, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Ludivine Sagnier
Director: PJ Hogan
Running time: 111 minutes
Age restriction: All ages
Sometimes a movie comes along that gets the balance between special effects and story right.
A good combination of two elements that, when done the right way, makes for a delightful, memorable movie experience. Peter Pan is that kind of film. It's a joy to watch for children of all ages and it is a faithful version of a timeless story about being young.
Australian director PJ Hogan has assembled an able cast of veteran actors and newcomers to tell the 100-year-old story of the boy who refused to grow up.
The film is a relatively faithful version of the story by JM Barrie (not like the Spielberg interpretation) and is sure to be a winner with children of all ages.
Jeremy Sumpter takes the lead of Pan, complete with fairy sidekick Tinker Bell (Ludivine Sagnier), an unco-operative shadow.
As the original anti-coming-of-age film, Pan is fascinated by the storytelling abilities of Wendy Darling (Rachel Hurd-Wood), who has been instructed by her father to grow up and become a young lady. Captivated, Pan takes Wendy and her two brothers to the magical Neverland with the promise of real adventure, ruthless pirates and never having to grow up.
Their arrival in Neverland, however, awakens the fury of Pan's arch-enemy, Captain Hook, who is constantly being pursued by a hungry crocodile while trying to capture Pan.
Throw in Pan's "tribe" of Lost Boys, lots of fairies and Captain Hook's entertaining servant - brilliantly played by Richard Briers - and you have the makings of a great fairy tale.
Hogan has done an incredible job of bringing Neverland to life and the special effects, sets and sword fights reminiscent of classic swashbuckling films does justice to one of the most loved stories in history.
Peter Pan is a great escape from the usual load of violence and science fiction generally on offer, so do yourself a favour and see it soon.