Hokan Movie Reviews

Whatever your age, whatever your status, there is that part of you that never wants to grow up - and that is Peter Pan. Similarly, there is that part that DOES want to grow up, but still, still, doesn't want to have to obey the rules that don't belong, doesn't want to have the responsibilities, and isn't sure that the world is what it really should be - and that's Wendy. And finally, there's the part of you that wants to have no responsibilities, but all the fun, but still, if need be - to try to help - and that's Tinkerbell.

Berrie put together the archetypes that are within us all. I will be going to this movie in a strong longing and a strong anticipation - hoping that the makers of the film feel the exact same way - that such a movie reflects us all.

Anyway, I've been dreadfully anxious to see this version Peter Pan ever since I first saw the trailer, and I have to admit that I don't think I'll be disappointed. For one thing it has the great Jason Isaacs, one of my favorite actors, playing the infamous Captain Hook as well as Mr. Darling, a tradition that started with the Broadway play. I'm also very impressed with the way the rest of the cast looks, especially Wendy who is played by the newcomer Rachel Hurd-Wood. She has just the right sort of sweet, half bewildered but resolute look Wendy ought to have. Also Jeremy Sumpter, who plays the title role, is just the way I imagined him. He looks "cocky" enough for the part in a perfect sort of alarming but charming kind of way. (You may know Mr. Sumpter form Frailty in which he played a young Matthew McConaughey. So think him, but smaller and not so chunky looking with light curly hair.) Anyway, I could go on and on about how perfect I think everyone in the cast is, but as that is mostly a matter of opinion I'd run the risk of boring you to death. I shall try and summarize. The lost boys look like lost boys, very lost and dirty, the pirates look mean and rather clueless, and the Indians look very indianish. The entire Darling family looks sweet and perfect and so does Tink who is played by some French actress who I know nothing about.

I've watched both trailers about a zillion times, even going through them frame by frame so as to see all the details. I must say things really seem to be in order, everything from John's Sunday hat, to the acorn button around Wendy's neck to Peter's perfectly white teeth (if your a fan of the book, yes, they're all there, his teeth that is).

Peter Pan is being filmed in Australia. The director of photography is Donald McAlpine, an Oscar nominee, the production designers are Roger Ford and Janet Petterson, both Oscar nominees, the music is composed by James Newton Howard, five time Oscar nominee, and the visual effects supervisor is Scott Farrar, and yes you guessed it, also an Oscar nominee.

So much for the goodies, now for some the stuff that doesn't look so promising. For one thing they seem to have added a character, Aunt Millicant, but as she is played by Lynn Redgrave there shouldn't be much to fear. I think her main purpose is to serve as one of those prim and proper relations, who doesn't understand children and is constantly trying to make Wendy "grow up". (Remember, "drama is conflict".) Another thing is the puppy love stuff, I hope this won't be too much of a problem. Last but not least is the fact that they seem a little obsessed with fancy sword fighting, and also dwelling on the dark side of the story which goes for making it much like any other action movie out there. Hopefully this won't override the plot or the character development, and there'll be a good balance between the two.

If this film is anything like the book it's going to be good, but it truly seems that the people bringing this story to life are dedicated to being true to it. Writer/director P.J Hogan seems to have a great respect and love for J.M Berrie's master piece, and though of course it's a bit early to tell, I believe there's a great passion behind this film. This is not just telling a great story but telling it in a top notch way. But enough of the sappy monolog. The long and the short is that for someone like me, a sixteen year old who already feels the effects of age, it will be a wonderful thing to see Berrie's great classic about children and growing up finally realized on screen to the best advantage. I'm giving it five stars as a benefit of the doubt, so keep your fingers crossed. I think we'll be blown away.

The film contains some strong performance and wonderful scenes. The writing is a joy and the performances reinforce each other. I particularly liked the growing strength and confidence of the women as their careers slide and they refuse to forget what they have seen or heard.

Yes, it's a silly, pointless movie... but it is so much fun!