The latest movie about Peter Pan is now playing in theaters everywhere. “Peter Pan and Wendy” is based on the original story of the “Peter Pan” book by Sir James Matthew Barrie, written in 1904, and the 1953 animated Disney movie “Peter Pan.” The film stars Jude Law as Captain Hook, James Gaffigan as Smee, Yara Shahidi as Tinkerbell, Ever Anderson as Wendy, and introduces Alexander Molony as Peter Pan. I thoroughly enjoyed viewing the film as the age-appropriate story keeps all ages entertained.
David Lowery directs as he had much success with “Pete’s Dragon,” alongside screenplay credit with Toby Halbrooks, the executive producer. Past Disney films based on Peter Pan include Peter Pan (1953), Peter Pan: Return to Never Land (2002), and Tinker Bell (film series).
Focusing on Wendy Darling, a young girl afraid to leave her childhood home behind, she meets the magical Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up, and a tiny fairy Tinker Bell who uses her pixie dust to create magical happenings. Wendy leaves her bedroom with her younger siblings to discover an evil pirate captain, “Hook,” who is Peter Pan’s arch enemy. They all travel and fly at times to exotic locations, encountering adventure and danger along the way.
In the end, Wendy proclaims, “To grow up might be the biggest adventure of them all!”
The Bottom-line: “Peter Pan and Wendy” is the perfect title as Wendy shares the spotlight with Peter and sometimes outshines him due to her broad screen time and her determined performance. I’d say three ½ stars out of 4. I enjoyed all the characters, especially the comical Jim Gaffigan.
Be sure to check out “Peter Pan and Wendy,” streaming now on Disney+.
Sarah Knight Adamson© April 30, 2023
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