Movie: Pan
Direction: Joe Wright
Cast: Levi Miller, Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Rooney Mara, Amanda Seyfried
Music Director: John Powell
Cinematography: John Mathieson, Seamus McGarvey
Editor: William Hoy, Paul Tothill
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: ∗∗½
What is it about: During the World War II at a London orphanage, a 12 year old boy Peter (Levi Miller) finds himself taken away by a set of pirates to a fantastical world of Neverland. While he’s trying to escape the clutches of these pirates he bumps in to a new friend James Hook (Garrett Hedlund) and a beautiful warrior called Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara). Due to unforeseen situation these misfits have to join together to save the Neverland from the treacherous pirate Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman). During this quest, the young boy discovers his true destiny where he’s known the hero forever called “Peter Pan”.
Why it’s disappointing: This fantasy adventure is directed by Joe Wright, who is mostly known for his war dramas. Joe makes a good film for the younger audience who would enjoy the misfits trying to save the world, but he fails to amuse the mature audience, who would find this one downright silly. This a story which we have seen over the years as cartoons and even a movie back in 2003.
But it does not grab your attention due to lack lustre treatment to the screenplay. The characters were not well explored, actors like Rooney Mara and Hugh Jackman were wasted in their respected roles.
The character Hook played by Garrett Hedlund didn’t do justice to it, he tried his best, but did not fit the bill.
The narration was weak and it begins to bore you few minutes in to the movie. The makers copied many references from the previous fantasy movies and made a mixture which did not gel well with the current version and seemed like a rushed one. If the makers were targeting just the younger audience then they really don’t have to worry, if not they’re in trouble as this movie is no small budget.
What to watch out for: “PAN” is visually appealing, the 3D was stunning with great effects which lets few characters come alive. The sound was well matched with the visuals. Settings are filled with colourful designs which gives a splendid viewing experience. The soundtrack was good, which kept the sails going. The only saving grace of “PAN” was its CGI.
Verdict: Joe Wright takes this fantasy to the ground with lack-lustre treatment to the screenplay, which made even CGI work hard to give this “PAN” a smooth flight.
