Peter Pan | ||||
P.J. Hogan Jason Isaacs, Jeremy Sumpter, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Lynn Redgrave, Olivia Williams, Ludivine Sagnier, Richard Briers, Geoffrey Palmer, Harry Newell, Freddie Popplewell 2003 |
One of the nicest cinematic surprises in ages is Aussie director P. J. Hogan's exquisitely fashioned, many-layered, live-action adaptation of "Peter Pan," the classic J. M. Barrie play and books about a brave, mischievous boy who refuses to grow up. This is a rare case where an excess of up-to-the-minute computer effects is welcome, as Peter, his fairy companion Tinker Bell and the Darling children soar over a dream-like London of 100 years ago, then through the cosmos and on to a lush, shimmering Neverland. It makes for an incredibly vivid version of the story, which has seen cartoon, TV and stage renditions. It's the familiar fairy tale, only more so. Jeremy Sumpter, whose American accent sets him apart from the rest of the English-accented cast, is feisty Peter, fighting off pubescence as he battles evil Capt. Hook. Rachel Hurd-Wood glows as Wendy Darling, a young girl so uneasy about the inevitability of growing up that she chooses to fly away with Peter. Ludivine Sagnier plays sparkling Tinker Bell as a tiny, scheming sexpot competing with Wendy for Peter's attention. As in theatrical presentations, the same actor who plays Mr. Darling (versatile Jason Isaacs) plays Hook, too. Psychological subtext simmers below the surface, but never sullies the magical aspects of the film. Olivia Williams and Lynn Redgrave costar. | |||
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