Peter Pan (DVD, 2004, Full Frame Edition)

Everyone knows Peter Pan as the boy who will never grow up. Writer/director P.J. Hogan's (MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING) new live-action interpretation of the classic J.M. Barrie tale is surprisingly sentimental, imbuing Peter--played by the charming Jeremy Sumpter--with a sense of longing and a desire to be loved. The object of his affection is Wendy Darling (Rachel Hurd-Wood), a pre-teen in Edwardian London with a penchant for telling dazzling tales to her younger brothers. When Mr. Darling (Jason Isaacs, who doubles as a daunting Captain Hook) decides that Wendy should live with her Aunt Millicent (Lynn Redgrave) in order to become a proper lady, Peter takes the Darling children to Neverland, where all of the characters in Wendy's stories actually exist. The trio embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, flying through the skies, encountering nasty mermaids, and enduring Tinker Bell's (Ludivine Sagnier) hijinx. Along with the Lost Boys, the Darling children take on Captain Hook, Peter Pan's arch nemesis, and his band of pirates. Filled with lush sets and splendid special effects, this film is a visual treat. PETER PAN also stars Olivia Williams as the fetching Mrs. Darling, and Richard Briers as Hook's sidekick, Smee.