Peter Pan — Movie Surprise

Electrifying chemistry—that’s the only way to describe the interaction between the stars of Universal Pictures’ Peter Pan—Jeremy Sumpter and Rachel Hurd-Wood. Coming on the heels of another Peter Pan based movie, Hook, I assumed Peter Pan as being typical fare when it was released in 2003. However, having caught it on HBO Asia recently, I am aghast at my stupid presumption.

I am usually dismissive of romantic movies, which are usually overdone to the point of being mundane, and I usually cringe when it is presented as part of the story that involves young actors; but I was totally charmed by the courtly love that was illustrated in this movie.

I was entranced how the power of one kiss was expressed visually by the director in a scene that was achingly breathtaking.

I was amused by the familiar adult male declarations being mouthed by a young boy regarding negations of any feeling or love, and yet contradicted himself with jealous acts later.

I was saddened by Peter Pan’s decision not to grow up and not take the risk of there “being more” because it would mean going to school, eventually getting a job, and, dare I say, becoming a husband.

I was impressed with the ensemble of actors who were all constantly in character, from young child actors (playing the Darling brothers and the Lost Boys) to seasoned actors (playing Capt. Hook’s pirates). Jason Isaacs, essaying the dual roles of Mr. Darling and Capt. Hook, made the difficult balance between being comic and yet ensuring that he was menacing at the same time, especially for the Capt. Hook character.

I was moved when the power of words and thoughts were demonstrated in two crucial scenes—Tinkerbell’s recovery from death and Capt. Hook’s acceptance of death.

And, I was totally thrilled by Peter Pan and Wendy, played so beautifully by Jeremy and Rachel, that I actually searched the internet for their whereabouts. And may I just share an intriguing tidbit? When Jeremy was asked in a chat who does he keep in touch with from the Peter Pan movie, he readily answered, “I am still in contact with Rachel and Spike Hogan who is the director’s son.”

If there’s a pair of actors who must act together again (hopefully, their chemistry is not a fluke), then it is Jeremy and Rachel. In an interview, Jeremy himself said he hoped that in the future they would do Romeo and Juliet together.

Do try to catch it on HBO Asia. As for me, I bought a DVD just a few days after I saw it.

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