Review of Pan (2015) by Jamie I — 23 Nov 2015

As Peter Pan is one of my most favorite stories of all time, I wanted to like Pan. I really wanted to. Unfortunately, I couldn't like it all that much. First of all why is Blackbeard, the most fearsome pirate, prancing and singing (along with Nirvana and The Ramones no less) like he's in the cast of a Broadway musical? I generally enjoy Jackman's performances, but I didn't buy this one.

He was frightfully less than scary. Next, let's talk about Hook who is portrayed as a caricature of a cinematic cowboy. I rather enjoy the theories that Hook represents everything Wendy hates about her father which ergo would make him British, so Hook to me has always been British.

Seeing him swashbuckle about with his American drawl and frequent failed attempts to be clever and charming (and try his best to sound like Han Solo) did not cut it for me. Don't even get me started on the loathsome budding romance between Hook and Tiger Lily.

Another thing that this movie does is that it attempts to explain Peter Pan lore. I have suspension of disbelief as do many others who love Peter Pan stories. Therefore, I do not need a prequel to explain these things to me.

Also, Tinkerbell is in the movie for 1 minute?!?! The one saving grace was newcomer Levi Miller as the young Peter. He's brilliant as the sad, lonely, and lost Peter. Finally, I appreciate the subtle nods to one of the finest Peter Pan films, Hook, but unfortunately, Pan doesn't even come close to that masterpiece.

In the end, I say no need to waste your time here and continue to enjoy the Peter Pan stories that existed prior to this disaster.