Peter Pan

Whatever your pick of the past Pans -- Disney's 1953 animated feature, the legendary Mary Martin made-for-TV production, the touring stage musical presented on A&E with Cathy Rigby in the lead, or Steven Spielberg’s nonmusical Hook -- this bold new take on the J. M. Barrie classic will seem as fresh as it is familiar. For instance: Australian director P. J. Hogan breaks from tradition and employs an actual boy, Jeremy Sumpter, as the lad who refuses to grow up. All the familiar Neverland touchstones are here, including the Lost Boys and their sinister nemesis, Captain Hook. Jason Isaacs, Draco's dad in the Harry Potter films, portrays the evil pirate with dandy relish, while Ludivine Sagnier from Swimming Pool makes for a rather fetching Tinkerbell. Children will be transported by the magnificent production design and special effects, and they'll cheer Peter's dashing duels with Hook (and Hook’s with an animatronic crocodile that's easily the scariest Pan croc ever). But what gives the film emotional resonance is the relationship between Peter and Wendy (Rachel Hurd-Wood), whom Peter recruits to be mother and storyteller to his Lost Boys, and whose presence stirs his inner teen. Peter says "Why do you have to spoil everything?" after Wendy brings up the subject of feelings and love. She touches his face and he pulls away. This moment, and Peter’s fundamental dilemma, were not depicted with such emotional honesty in earlier versions, and it’s what makes this Peter Pan perhaps the most striking yet. Donald Liebenson, Barnes & Noble

Director: P.J. Hogan

Starring: Jason Isaacs, Jeremy Sumpter, Olivia Williams

1 disc

Genres: Classics on DVD, Children's on DVD, Science Fiction on DVD, Teens/Youth on DVD