Peter Pan

Sorry for the late posting on this one!  Life (and Disneyland) happened.  But I’m back and ready to take you on a trip to Never Land! 

 

 

All you will need for the journey is:

• Faith
• Trust
• A little bit of pixie dust
• And the directions (Second Star to the Right and Straight on til Morning)

Ok.  Everybody ready?  Here we go!  Off to Never Land!!!

 

 

This week’s film is the iconic tale of Peter Pan – the boy who doesn’t want to grow up.  The boy who fearlessly leads the troop of Lost Boys.  The boy who battles  wits and steel against the nefarious Captain Hook.  The boy who takes the Darling children of London on a wonderful adventure to Never Land.  The boy who's best friend is Tinker Bell.  There is so much Disney culture and history in this film!  It premiered in 1953 and remains one of Walt's most well-known and beloved masterpieces.

 

 

Peter Pan is a wonderful film with a wonderful story.  Best of all it has heart.  :)  There is adventure, daring rescues, a wicked villain, a fun and funny cast of supporting characters, imagination, Disney magic.  It's the complete Disney package!

 

 

 

 

 

The story opens in the nursery of the Darling home where we meet Wendy, John, and Michael (the Darling children).  They soon meet Peter Pan who takes them on a whimsical adventure to Never Land with the begrudging assistance of Tinker Bell.  In Never Land, the children meet mermaids, Indians, and pirates.  Oh.  And they get there by flying!  Peter Pan proves to be a brave and cunning hero who always swoops in to save the day. 

 

 

 

The two characters who I fell the most in love with were actually the Darling boys: John and Michael.  They are so true to their characters and they're adorable!  John is a serious thinker who takes responsibility with a gravitas that defies his age.  And Michael is an adorable child who still faithfully carries around his teddy bear, but he doesn't let his size or youth prevent him from going on adventures and doing his part.  They added a lovely dash of humor and warm-heartedness to the film.

 

I think one of the other things that makes this film such a success is its villain.  Captain Hook is, at the same time, evil and comical.  He is clearly a bad character who does bad things, and as such it is easy for the audience to want to see him fail.  This creates a great contrast to highlight Peter Pan's heroism.  We love watching Peter win!  What also sets Captain Hook apart is that his character serves not only as the villain but also as comic relief in the film.  His interactions with his bumbling first mate, Mr. Smee, always bring a laugh.  Add the tick-tocking crocodile's endless chase of the Captain, and you'll be laughing indeed. 

 

 

In the end, I really think that what make Peter Pan stand out is its relatability.  (That's not actually a word... but go with me.)  No matter who watches the film, there is some character to relate to.  Whether it's a young boy dreaming of adventures and fighting pirates like Peter Pan.  Or it's a father who is so caught up in the real world that he's forgotten the wonderful world of play and imagination like Mr. Darling.  Or maybe it's a young woman on the brink of growing up but not quite ready to leave childhood behind like Wendy.  Or maybe you just appreciate Tinker bell's sass (and sacrifice).  My point is that Peter Pan reminds all of us that bravery is to be pursued.  Growing up doesn't require you to stop dreaming and imagining.  It's never too late to change the way your story ends.  And childhood wonderment has no expiration date. 

 

 

With that, I'll leave you with words of wisdom from Walt Disney:

 

Laughter is timeless,

Imagination has no age,

and Dreams are forever.

 

 

Coming Up Next: Lady and the Tramp