“With the lights out, it’s less dangerous. Here we are now, entertain us. I feel stupid and contagious. Here we are now, entertain us.”
Yes, these are the lyrics to the adolescently symbolic “Smells Like Teen Spirit” — a song named #1 on a list of 7 of the World’s Most Iconic Songs. Symbolically so, sung by a brigade of Pirated orphans — upon Pan’s arrival to Neverland — that may not haven’t bathed since they arrived; so I’m sure Kurt Cobain wasn’t referring to that type of teen essence. Nevermind aux de parfum, more like aux de toilet (FYI, some have been there for decades, as I clearly wasn’t talking about 1990’s popular Spirit Soap either).
Joking aside, the story of Peter Pan has been an iconic symbol from most of our childhoods. So, when the theater lights went out, here we were, and they did: “Entertain us”! Ironic still, that the song choice was from Nirvana. Nirvana, in definition states: a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. Neverland, was a place where the lost boys don’t age; they, as quoted from Blackbeard (the delightful “that’s him!?” Hugh Jackman), were being released from their karmic destinies as orphans, that he was freeing them, yet also allowed them no individualism or sense of self as they mined for Crystal Me.. I mean Pixum (a.ka. fairy dust crystal)…
Peter, played by the 12-year-old Aussie newbie, Levi Miller (Supergirl), blurted the laughter evoking one liner “Holy Pootie”— among many other quotable moments throughout the film. Move over Haley Joel Osment; haven’t seen that kind of connectivity in a young actor since someone saw dead people over a decade ago. Making a switch to Neverland instead of Land of the Dead, Levi was just delightful as Pan. Overall, hopefully this film will be paying the box office forward!
Peter Pan: I don’t believe in bedtime stories.
Lucky for us, Joe Wright (Atonement, Pride & Prejudice) did believe in bedtime stories — and was enveloped in this story growing up enough to want to know where they all came from — and share his ideas with us. He took a whimsical children’s tale, and in turn showed us a deeper look into the psyche of what the book portrayed as a rebellious, non-parental-influenced spoiled brat who wanted his way, stomping his feet when he didn’t get it; much like today’s youth… Kidding… Sorta… #sorrynotsorry
Even portraying his archenemy, pre hook-handed, not-yet-Captain Hook (TRON: Legacy‘s Garrett Hedlund), as an ally, and more so, a friend. Even a pun at the films closing from Peter asking Hook if they could stay friends forever, Hook replying that he couldn’t imagine why not. Hmmmmmm…? Sequel in the works? Maybe?
Speaking of our younger, dapper Captain, total HOOK-line-and-sinker choosing Hedlund, if I may speak for the ladies for a moment in saying that we all left wanting to dig our Hook’s into that. Hook-em? Never touched-em! I could do this all day…but I’ll stop now. OK, back to the movie. I’ll put it this way, so that we can key the boys back into this convo; if they ever decide to do another “younger” Indiana Jones flick, this movie would be Garrett’s audition in! Totally had that sexy (sorry guys, last time I swear!), charismatic, Harrison Ford-esque, suave, butt-kickin, cowboy pirate nailed! Second thought, don’t do a sequel; I don’t want to ruin my newly found like for Captain James Hook!
Ok Gents, this ones for you; Holy Crouching Tiger Lily, Hidden Girl with a Dragon Tattoo, Miss Rooney Mara! We’ll let it slide that you were the only Caucasian Aboriginee in the tribe! (I swear casting does this to raise controversy, and as we all know: controversy sells.) Her Rainbow Bright attire resembles the bone-like Jurassic birds native to Neverland, that also reminded me of Kevin, the bird from the movie “Up” — was definitely needed to balance the serenity she gave to the film in her deep dialogue that pointed out aspects of human nature, especially in relation to Hook’s failed attempts at flirting. Amanda Seyfreid left her “Dear John” role for a “Dear Peter” letter as the Mother of Pan. Her role was short, and mostly in a Pixie-lated form, leaving us longing for more bright-eyed facetime. And don’t forget, not only a double take, but a triple take of Cara Delevingne as not one but three Mermaids (all her, with slight makeup differential changes).
As far as Hugh Jackmon’s portrayal of Blackbeard, it was definitely more of a Broadway version of his acting style than Wolverine, as claws are traded in for swords, and losing the hair as well. Though his whimsical nature left me waiting for him to break out in song at any moment–and, funny enough, that happens on more than one occasion (well, not script-wise). Jean Valjean? No? Maybe it was due to all the inhalation of Pixum to keep his youthful glow. Either way, he delivered.
Lastly, let’s talk visual. Having that Avatar-like neon glow, being a prequel retake on a children’s classic, you would think there would have been more playful moments. Even Sam Worthington’s Avatar mentally had moments that he regressed 20-years to “play” with his unfamiliar yet intriguing surroundings. That aside, the film wasn’t short of captivating visuals and action sequences. No human being would ever survive maneuvers that we have become accustomed to; though a little more forgiving being it is supposed to be a based on a fairy tale.
So absolutely; fly your ships through the Crystal Caves at 110 MPH, swaying back and forth, while Tiger Lily balances on the boats bowsprit without a flinch. Totally! Then again it is kind of like driving through Laurel Canyon Blvd in Hollywood Hills, CA during rush hour. Maybe Pan could have left out the outerspace moment, as still being human–oxygen is a necessity; and one shouldn’t be able to swat Saturn like a volleyball a mile above Earth’s Ozone. But in a film full of CGI, who’s keeping to practicality?! Overall, Wright’s eye for captivating camera motion artistry did not fall short in the spirit of the way he choreographs his films, along with the work of cinematographers John Mathieson and Seamus McGarvey.
Pan is a definite recommendation for anyone who loves “Disneyesque” adventures — especially young families — and it was especially fun in 3D. If you’re still unsure after witnessing this review longer than a Blackbeard monologue, stop reading this and go get your ticket. As Pan himself would say, “tic toc, tic toc”!
Warner Bros. Pictures’ Pan swings into theaters this weekend, October 9.