PETER PAN (2003)

The familiar story is presented in a sophisticated way that appeals to adults and does not insult the intelligence of children.

Peter Pan is so simply perfect that it almost defies analysis. Visually it is a gorgeous film, set in a starlit dreamlike Neverland so attractive to the eye that it's no wonder Peter Pan doesn't want to leave. The familiar story is presented in a sophisticated way that appeals to adults and does not insult the intelligence of children. It is far more literary than the Disney version (big surprise) and actually hints at the deeper meaning of Barrie's work.

There are no scene-stealing child actors hamming it up for the camera in Peter Pan—only talented, pleasantly ordinary kids. Peter Pan himself has the potential to be obnoxious, but as played by Jeremy Sumpter, he is as vulnerable as he is arrogant. Wendy (Rachel Hurd-Wood) is also spirited and likable. Lynn Redgrave is wacky and hilarious as Aunt Millicent. The lovely Richard Briers plays Smee. Only Mrs. Darling (played by Olivia Williams) seems a bit flat as a character. Part of the problem is that Ms. Williams is still stuck in her role as the mourning wife in The Sixth Sense, sleeping woefully in armchairs and lamenting lost loved ones. If I remember correctly, she did something along those lines as a moping widow in Rushmore. She's not a bad actress—it's just a shame to see her doing the same thing all the time.

For the clincher, we have Jason Isaacs in a dual role as Captain Hook and Mr. Darling. I must confess that I have been smitten with this man ever since he tried to take Mel Gibson down in The Patriot. This is saying a lot, given that Mel was my first real (i.e. fantasy) love. I found myself not knowing who to root for in that battle of good versus evil, but I must say that it was one of the sexiest fights I have ever seen. Isaacs tends to be a bit of a movie wallflower, often preferring the role of villain to leading man, but he puts a different spin on his bad guys every time. Mr. Darling is a bit of a lost soul, basically good-natured, but lacking backbone. He struggles to reconcile his identity with society's expectations, only to discover that conformity doesn't equal happiness. Captain Hook is a deliciously evil and ultimately tragic figure. Oddly enough, he's not entirely unlikable. A little self-loathing and loneliness go a long way in making this Captain Hook a dynamic character. We glimpse a gentler side to this legendary bad guy, and see that without the hook and the bad attitude, he might have gotten married and been a decent guy. In this light, the use of one actor in the roles of Mr. Darling and Captain Hook is most interesting. The line between good and evil is a fine one, and the distinction between hero and villain comes down to the choices these men make.

It is a sad fact that many people missed this movie when it was in theaters. It certainly deserved to do better than it did, but the Christmas season and Return of the King may have overshadowed it. On the upside, DVD and video offers us all a second chance, and it's always nice to curl up on the couch and settle in for something that's actually worth watching. Snuggle up with a bowl of popcorn and enjoy!