Let’s Not Grow Up

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

DISNEY’S NEW LIVEACTION FEATURE, Peter Pan & Wendy, is surprisingly fresh and entertaining for a remake that could have bogged down in the traditional elements of the boy who refused to grow up. Instead, we have a threefold story about Wendy, the girl who’s afraid to grow up, and Captain Hook,

PETER PAN & WENDY

Walt Disney Pictures

Rated: PG

Streaming on Disney Plus who did grow up to become a nasty adult, and finally Peter, who’s not worried at all about growing up. Together with the Lost Boys and a captivating Tiger Lily, the adventures in Neverland are familiar and magical, yet boldly retold from different perspectives. Peter loses his shadow like always, Tinkerbell shares her pixie dust, and the three Darling children take flight to a place “without rules, or schools, or bedtimes.”

Tiger Lily, played by Alyssa Wapanatahk, becomes the wise older teen who gives Wendy the advice she needs to transition from child to young adult. Captain Hook, who’s usually just a caricature, becomes a fullfledged persona in this version and we finally understand his anger because his best friend, Peter, betrayed him. When faced with the pain he caused, Peter Pan eventually admits that he needs help from his friends to save them all from walking the plank. The pirates and high jinks are funny, the soundtrack and lullabies are wonderful, and the special effects are amazing

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

Paramount Pictures, Rated: PG-13

In theatres and streaming on Amazon

YOU DON’T HAVE to know anything about Dungeons & Dragons, the iconic role-playing game, to appreciate the fantastic, tongue-in-cheek, magical feature directed by Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley. Two directors means double the fun, double the mayhem, and double the pace of this rollicking tale that begins with two thieves talking their way out of prison. Like the game, the story builds layer upon layer of almost impossible tasks accomplished by hapless, yet loveable characters, who each have a stake in the outcome. Edgin, the planner, needs to rescue his daughter. Holga, the warrior, wants to prove herself. Simon, the wizard, needs a shot of self-confidence and Doric, the shape-changing Druid, wants to avenge her family. Together with Xenk, the holy knight, they cross swords with the evil Red Wizards, who want to create a zombie army. Toss in fire-breathing dragons, even if the flying scenes are just a bit clunky. When the Lost Boys return to London on Hook’s ship steered by Wendy, they’ve found their forever home. Wendy looks to the future not with a sense of dread, but with an adventurous spirit she’s gained from knowing Peter. And in the end, Peter finds his way back to Neverland to continue his sword play with Captain Hook, who can’t seem to get that ticking “crock” out of his head. ✦ dead soldiers with secrets, hither-thither portals (it’s a magic thing!), and a vault of priceless treasures and you have an irresistible combination that’ll keep you guessing until the final toss of the dice. I’m looking forward to watching this one again, and I’m certain there’s a franchise in the works. Be sure to watch through the credits!