Peter Pan (1953)

 

Genre: Musical/ Adventure 

Time: 1h 16mins

Directors: Hamilton Luske, Wilfred Jackson, Clyde Geronimi

Quick Summary: Wendy and her brothers are whisked away to the magical world of Neverland with the hero of their stories, Peter Pan.

Delightfully charming and whimsical. 

Honestly, this is a classic that needs to be talked about more. It's such a wonderful movie that not only the family could get into, but even I'll just watch it on my own if I want a cute movie. I love how this captures the nature of small children's imagination and just pure joyous nature.

As much of a jerk as Peter Pan was, I enjoyed it. His childlike remarks and antics. For someone who never grew up, it fits really well. He is someone who does what he wants. It parallels Wendy who is someone who has grown up too soon and acts motherly towards everyone. I found it cute watching the two interact together.

This is so fun and it holds your attention the whole way through. Captain Hook and Smee were big-time scene stealers. They were extra, and hilarious together. They constantly bounced off each other through slapstick humour. Their "Villan and Sidekick" dynamic were perfect, one of the best I've seen. Peter Pan and Hook were equally as funny together, with Peter continuously fooling his plans and running circles around Hook. 

But the real star of the show was Tinkerbell. Incredibly melodramatic and sassy without saying a single word. Without the use of dialogue, she is expressive through body language and actions that are so over the top you can tell exactly what she is saying. She always made me laugh without fail and her character was portrayed flawlessly  

I enjoyed the background scenery a lot as the artwork is so pretty to look at, every frame is almost like looking at a painting. As well, all of the characters are also excellently animated, especially when in action which was actually really fun to watch them all brawl in massive fights or duels.

Unfortunately, the one thing I didn't really like was the songs. I just didn't find them that enjoyable. They were cute, just weren't that engaging. As well personally, it wasn't up to the standard of older Disney songs.

Storytelling-wise, it was told really well. It flies by, but in a good way where everything flows together so smoothly. Everyone gets their own little arcs and small moments of character development. It opened really strongly, introducing everyone and their personalities wonderfully; The middle dropped a tiny bit as so many characters were being introduced and 3 different subplots were happening at once which admittedly worked really well, they didn't feel disjointed at all; The ending was perfect, having an amazing climax and a really sweet ending.

Honestly adorable and always a fun watch I recommend this for anyone who wants a short little film. Full of childlike joy and adventures sure to give you a nostalgic feeling.

9/10

"Peter Pan: Tinker Bell! I hereby banish you forever.

Wendy: Please, not forever.

Peter Pan: Well, for a week then."

"Peter Pan: [as he and Capt. Hook hear the sound of Tick-Tock] I say, Captain, do you hear something?

Captain Hook: [trembles in fear] No."

"A jealous female can be tricked into anything."