As I watched this updated version of the beloved fairytale, two things immediately sprung to mind; 1- This film is pretty darned faithful to the source material. And 2- It was tons better than Hook (and coming from a big Spielberg fan like me, that's saying a lot).

Most of us are familiar with the story. Peter Pan is the energetic young boy who refused to grow up. After meeting up and developing a crush on
mortal Wendy Darling, it's off to Neverland where Wendy and her two young siblings are plunged into adventure as they come face to face with the villainous Captain Hook, do battle with treacherous pirates, and learn the true meaning of fun when they encounter the youthful Lost Boys.

This take on Peter Pan is for the whole family, but it does have a slight dark side and there are some adventurous moments that might be a tad
scary for the young kids, particularly the sequences with a hungry crocodile. Director P.J. Hogan (Muriel's Wedding, My Best Friends Wedding) does a terrific job with his young cast and his vision of Neverland, is truly wondrous and much more vibrant and real than the one on display in Spielberg's all too staged Hook. There is a certain magical quality that really shines through here, and everything is played straight rather than for laughs. I also admired that Hogan doesn't stray from the source material. Peter Pan's choice at the end of this movie (whether to return to Neverland or to stay with the Darlings) is the same as it was in the book,
and I would have been aggravated if it were altered.

I've heard complaints from some parents who are bothered by what they believe to be sexual undertones in this picture. That's crazy. Peter Pan has always been about the purity and innocence of youth, and nothing has changed
in this version. The kids are all terrific, most notably Rachel Hurd-Wood who plays a sweet, glowing Wendy Darling. It is, however, Jason Isaacs who is most outstanding in dual roles as both a monstrous yet sympathetic Captain Hook, and the workaholic Mr. Darling.

Peter Pan also whips up some nice special effects work as we see the Darling children soar through the London sky. Tinker Bell is a nifty little creation as well. My favorite sequence is the one in which Peter wrestles with his own shadow. I wouldn't rank Peter Pan among the very best family pictures of the year (I'm still very fond of Finding Nemo, Whale Rider and Elf), but it's still a wonderful film for the whole family. It's brisk, full of adventure and quite enchanting.