Review of Pan (2015) by Maksim B — 09 Jan 2016

A flopped attempt of Warner Bros. to start a new franchise based on a beloved character, Pan is a polarizing CGI-family friendly adventure which may be passable in terms of family entertainment value for younger audiences, but it also disappoints with the lost potential of its cast, story and director. Colorful, adventurous and bolstered by the devilish performance of Hugh Jackman, Pan lacks the charismatic presence of a leading character as well as a storyline that could hold the attention of adults beyond the first half of the movie.

The story is a sort of prequel to the classical Peter Pan's story and his endless fight with Captain Hook. It covers the time prior to Peter (Levi Miller) becoming a Pan and the time of the ruthless, devilish, but also funny Captain Black Beard (Hugh Jackman). While Peter is searching for the truth about his mother and father, Captain Black Beard is mercilessly trying to exploit the last remaining realm of the fairy kingdom in Neverland. Described like that the Joe Wright's movie sounds wonderfully intriguing and it certainly starts in such a way.

Unfortunately multiple strange directorial decisions almost destroy the movie and could be explained as the reason for the total financial flop which Pan became (costing $150 mio, earning only $35 mio in the US and $ 92 mio internationally). First of all, some attempt for modern pop-culture references totally fail to impress, such as stolen boys singing Nirvana in the mines. Secondly, Levi Miller fails to be the Peter Pan that adults and kids would remember. Finally, after the first half, the movie loses part of its nice pace some obvious plot holes occur to the more attentive viewers.

Yet, Pan remains a passable colorful adventure for young viewers and even if adult do not fully enjoy it, minors would certainly appreciate it despite all its flaws.