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Visually stunning and inventive, this film is a wonder family film that brings to life a classic fairy tale. The story works as a simple adventure for kids, but there are deeper, heavier issues dealt with which adults will find fascinating, maybe even a bit chilling. How does it appear when Capt. Hook gets in the way of the fledgling love of innocent Wendy and Peter?
Based on the play by J.M. Barrie, Wendy Darling (Rachel Hurd-Wood, film debut) is coming upon a time in adolescence when her father (Jason Isaacs, HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS), her mother (Olivia Williams, RUSHMORE) and her aunt Millicent (Lynn Redgrave, GODS & MONSTERS) feel she should put aside her daydreaming and storytelling and think about becoming an adult. However, Wendy would rather continue to tell pirate tales to her brothers John (Harry Newell, film debut) and Michael (Freddie Popplewell, film debut).
Then Peter Pan (Jeremy Sumpter, FRAILTY) flies into their lives and whisks them off to Never Never Land with the promise of never having to grow up. Wendy quickly develops a crush on Peter and goes through all the pangs of first love. Peter's fairy friend Tinkerbell (Ludivine Sagnier, SWIMMING POOL) quickly becomes jealous and helps Peter's arch-nemesis Captain Hook (Isaacs) plot against them. In a metaphorical way, the story brilliantly deals with first love, growing up and losing friends to the other sex.
Hurd-Wood is perfect as Wendy and Sumpter brings a reluctant charm to his role that fits. His cracking voice undermines the power of some lines, but thematically it fits. Isaacs could have played Hook over-the-top, but his performance is pretty straight forward making him quite believable. Another standout performance comes from Richard Briers (MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING) as Hook's first mate Smee. Briers droll approach to the material is subtle and hilarious.
But the real star of the film is the amazing visuals. The cinematography, set and costume design, the make-up and the visual effects all combine to create a lush fantasy world that is straight out of the mind of a child. Never Never Land has never been more vibrant or exploding with color and style. Sadly, this film tanked at the box office, buried in last year's Christmas rush. This is a film I highly recommend and I hope a good word of mouth will bring it increased success on DVD for generations of kids to witness the wonder that it beholds.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
