We are thrilled to have our first guest blogger today, the incomparable Jeff! He joins us for Peter Pan, the classic tale of the boy who won't grow up, his crocodile-phobic nemesis Captain Hook, and of course Wendy Darling, who isn't quite ready to be anyone's mother yet.
Jeff
Rating: 9/10
Reaction: It being one of my very favorite movies from childhood, I just couldn't resist accepting the invitation to join the party for Peter Pan. We all know the story, so I won't go into details, but what a fun trip back in time to watch this movie again after many years. The innocence of childhood, the power of imagination, the good old-fashioned racism...pure bliss! I will always be more a fan of that era of Disney classics than any other. I love the picture quality, the occasional inconsistencies from frame to frame, and the very basic abandon with which social issues are addressed (or, more commonly, skirted), and I miss the time when truly professional voice actors were used, rather than just celebrities of the day. Not to say that all celebrity voice work is sub-par, but in the era when radio was still so common an entertainment medium, we got more thorough and imaginative performances, rather than just voices we recognize and can put a face to. For example, in Peter Pan, Hans Conried, a veteran radio performer who then also had an extensive film and television career, delivers what might be my all-time favorite voice performance as Captain Hook and Mr. Darling. What I wouldn't give to have been in the studio when he was recording that character. Long story short, I just love this movie and it will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Eli
Rating: 9/10
Reaction: Ah, this is another of the Disney classics that I would watch over and over as a youngster. It seems to hold up pretty well for me still, except for the kind of terrible Indian scene and song. But it was made in a time when these things weren't as politically incorrect as they are now a-days. Peter is one of the coolest Disney characters. He's charming, fun, can fly, and will never grow up! Imagine! How fun. I mean, he does have to battle the occasional pirate, but that can be overlooked for the wonderful things he does do. I mean, who wouldn't want to be fawned over by a bunch of girl-drowning mermaids? Now, if they were mermen...that might be even better. But one must make do with what one has on Neverland. I'd just be excited to fly. The tale of adventure that the Darling family goes on is one that is so fun. I wouldn't want to return. And they almost don't. But Wendy, being the sensible older child she is (and realizing that she isn't gonna have as much fun as the boys in the island) convinces them to go home. And all is well.
Regan
Rating: 9/10
Reaction: Second star on the right and straight on 'til morning! How many of us wished growing up that we could think happy thoughts and fly, or that we could have a dog nanny to pick up after us? Nana was probably my favorite part, but overall this is such an effective presentation of the Peter Pan story. Hook and his crocodile nemesis are terrific, especially all the scenes of the crocodile eagerly waiting for Hook to fall into its jaws. The scenes with the Indians are fun, the prissy mermaids and wicked little Tinkerbell are amusing, and the Lost Boys and Peter are delightfully brash and raucous. Wendy is a great character, although her decision that she's ready to grow up seems a little at odds with the wonderful adventure she's just had. Overall this movie is a great romp from start to finish, with fun songs and a generally carefree feeling that leaves you smiling at the end.
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