Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Joe Wright, Warner Bros, PG 111 Minutes.
In what appears to be a prequel to the Peter Pan saga comes a refreshing rendition from British director Joe Wright (‘Atonement’) of writer J.M. Barrie’s fantasy character that is both engaging as it is entertaining.
Aussie child actor Levi Miller makes his movie debut as the rebellious 12-year-old who was abandoned at a London orphanage as a baby by his mother Mary (Amanda Seyfried – ‘Gone’) and then taken by pirates to Neverland.
There Peter is introduced to the pirate leader, the black-attired Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman – ‘Logan’) and forced to work in his fairy-dust mine, where he meets with a James Hook (Garrett Hedlund – ‘Tron Legacy’).
Later on, Hook devises an escape plan using Peter’s brief flying prowess that lands them in a tribal village where they’re befriended by the Neverland natives led by their Chief (Aussie indigenous actor Jack Charles – ‘Mystery Road’).
In addition, Peter makes friends with princess Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara – ‘Her’) who tells him not only of his destiny but the whereabouts of his missing mother with whom he is keen to be reunited.
At the same time that the enraged Blackbeard locates Peter and his accomplice he begins attacking the tribal natives in search of the fairy kingdom, his prized possession.
As the story nears its conclusion there is plenty of pandemonium for everyone to enjoy and Blackbeard finds himself outwitted by the boy who can fly as Pan finally finds his mother and fulfils his destiny as Peter Pan.
Wright’s live action adventure is full of fun and an entertaining introduction to the Peter Pan story, complete with giant crocodiles jumping into the air; magnificent mermaids swimming through the water; and pirate ships sailing in the sky.
Aussie youngster Miller makes an impressive debut in the title role while Jackman steals the show as the black-feathered villain, not to mention Mara’s pleasing performance as the warrior princess.
Wright continues to bring prominent characters onto the big screen similar to ‘Anna Karenina’-and as he does with ‘Pan’ making this movie another entertaining experience.
Pan is to be televised on Channel 7FLIX on Saturday 10 April at 7.00pm.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
