WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Beginnings. Everyone has them. For life itself, the search for meaning and belief, the pursuit of career, the budding of new relationships, and sometimes, in the revealing of one’s destiny and the course which will lead them to it. For 12-year old Peter (Levi Miller), destiny began after being left on the doorstep of a children’s home when he was an infant. Now in World War II London, he’s grown into a rather rebellious boy, even despite the harsh rule-filled, atmosphere brought about by the nuns overseeing him and the rest of the abandoned or orphaned boys. But, a strange turn of events is awaiting him and the other children, though the form by which his new journey will begin is beyond any of their imaginations.
Taken by fantastical forces one night, Peter embarks on an adventure to the fantasy world of Neverland, an island realm in the clutches of a dreaded Pirate lord, Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman). Seeing that the “freedom” the kidnapped children are promised is nothing short of indentured servitude, Peter reveals an unexpected talent when he is being forced to walk the plank of one of Blackbeard’s flying ships. A prophecy potentially coming to pass, Blackbeard now concerns himself even more with Peter. A new friend, Hook (Garrett Hedlund), aides in helping Peter escape and the two flee to the forests of Neverland to seek the natives there, where Princess Tiger Lilly (Rooney Mara) will ultimately lead them to a secret kingdom whose residents can spell the end of Blackbeard and a return of Neverland to its rightful state.
Next, my Mind:
Director Joe Wright has done some very solid work over the last eight years, including “Atonement”, “The Soloist”, “Hanna”, and “Anna Karenina”. So with those efforts in the bucket, it would be nice to think this fantasy/action piece and prequel to the classic Peter Pan story would be equally fine. Visually, the film is beautifully done, and in 3D it truly pops with the vibrant colors, sweeping, daydream-like vistas and landscapes, flying Pirate galleons, and secret worlds of Neverland. But as a whole, it is a visual film only for this reviewer, as the actual telling of the story didn’t truly come across as strongly and emotionally invested as anticipated.
Levi Miller does a fine job as Peter, granted, and one can almost tell how much he relished playing a hero like Peter in such a large production. He emoted the child-like bravado, doubt, courage, and drive as only a child with a purpose could invoke. But often, the delivery of the dialogue seemed almost more melodramatic than required. This especially came through in Hedlund’s Hook, and was borderline overacted in the attempt to make him the charming rogue he’s meant to be here. Jackman’s Blackbeard is also very much over-the-top, though this was forgivable, given that it is definitely what one expected for that character and his audacious arrogance. Honestly, Mara’s Tiger Lilly seemed to be the most grounded of them all.
In conclusion, “Pan” is a feast for the eyes, but like a Pirate ship with torn sails or a misfired cannon, falls short in its delivery.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
