Peter Pan MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: +3

This childrens classic begins on a cold winter night when Wendy Darling (Rachel Hurd Wood) and her two brothers (Harry Newell and Freddie Popplewell) leave their snug beds and doting parents (Olivia Williams and Jason Isaacs) and fly away with Peter Pan (Jeremy Sumpter), the boy who never grew up. Peter lures the children with tales of fairies, pirates and tropical beaches in Neverland, where children live free of adults and rules. After the children arrive in Neverland, where its always springtime, the idyllic setting turns dark and scary as Captain Hook (Jason Isaacs) sets out to capture the new visitors. Peter Panis a marvel of special effects. The mischievous fairy, Tinkerbell (Ludivine Sagnier), flits around in a cloud of sparkling fairy dust, and the Darlings lovable St. Bernard, Nana, generates laughs as the childrens nanny. This magical trip reminds us what a special gift a childs imagination can be.

Wendy and her brothers find out that the adventures of Neverland are not worth giving up the love of family. Perceptive Wendy sees the whimsical, fun-loving Peter as a lonely boy who has made a poor choice. She and Peter share their first kiss in an innocent way that reveals he doesnt know what affection is. Some of the swashbuckling action scenes are intense and could easily frighten young children, as could scenes involving dark caves, sword fights, cannon fire and an alligator. And when Wendy is captured by a pirate, she is forced to walk the plank. Young children may not understand the fantasy and magic of fairies. While there are no evil spells or occult activities, an Indian heals a teddy bear with a chant. Parents should be aware that Peter Pan is a fairy tale and may be too intense for sensitive children and those under 5. However, its strong theme of traditional family values makes this a good choice.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Universal Pictures