{"id":623,"date":"2015-10-08T01:00:31","date_gmt":"2015-10-08T08:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2015\/10\/07\/623\/"},"modified":"2015-10-07T12:37:08","modified_gmt":"2015-10-07T19:37:08","slug":"623","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2015\/623\/","title":{"rendered":"Pan \u2013 Reviving the Child in All of Us"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Pan.jpg\"<\/a>Warner\u2019s latest prequel to the classic, Peter Pan, features 12-year-old orphan Peter spirited away to the magical world of Neverland, where he finds both fun and dangers, and ultimately discovers his destiny — to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.<\/span> KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brandon C., age 15, comments, \u201cPan<\/span><\/em> will revive the child in all of us, for sure! Before I delve into just how great this film is, I have to say that I was completely blown away by it!\u201d Nathaniel B., age 9, adds, \u201cPan<\/em> is a beautiful film full of fun and adventure – giant crocodiles jumping high into the air, beautiful mermaids gliding through the water and pirate ships sailing through the sky.\u00a0 It all looks so real and the colors are so rich.\u00a0I enjoyed every bit of it and think you will too!\u201d See their full reviews below. <\/span><\/p>\n

Pan <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

By Brandon C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pan<\/span><\/em> will revive the child in all of us, for sure! Before I delve into just how great this film is, I have to say that I was completely blown away by it! My original thought was, \u201cOh it\u2019s just another Disney movie. Meh.\u201d But, as soon as Blackbeard and Hook are introduced, my inner child leapt out and said, \u201cThis is awesome!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pan<\/span><\/em> is the new revision of the classic Peter Pan story, directed by Joe Wright and featuring a host of very talented actors including Le<\/a>vi Miller (Peter), Garrett Hedlund (Hook) and Hugh Jackman (Blackbeard). The film follows the story of Peter, an orphan who gets abducted by Blackbeard and his pirates.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every character, even the villain Blackbeard, is likeable and fun to watch. For a kid just learning about the story of Peter Pan, this movie is a good start. For someone like me who grew up with the story, the movie is perfect. Joe Wright brilliantly teases moments here and there that setup for the story to continue. My favorite is when Hook puts his hand into the river only to pull it out when someone starts talking about crocodiles.<\/span><\/p>\n

As far as the visuals go, there are awe-inspiring visual effects, especially in the beginning of the movie. Every background is created with incredible detail. Speaking of detail, the costumes are also perfect in their minute details. Lastly, the score is outstanding. The action scenes tie all of these technical aspects together to produce a truly wonderful experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Are there any negatives in this movie? Not really. The relationship between Tiger Lily (played by Rooney Mara) and Hook seems just a bit forced. Also, I felt that the ending could have been expanded further to include Hook. Then again, I am a Hook fan through and through. And that\u2019s part of the experience that Pan <\/em>creates for the viewer. When I saw Hook for the first time, I flashed back to when I was a little kid when I first became a HUGE Captain Hook fan. Heck, I got nervous just before I met someone dressed as Captain Hook on a Disney Cruise. Those memories and emotions re-emerged when I saw this film. <\/span><\/p>\n

I very much enjoyed the message of the film. I believe Pan<\/em> hammers the point home about always being brave and sticking to your friends and family. As a final point, I have to commend Joe Wright for staying true to the characters and story of the original Peter Pan story. I enjoyed seeing my old favorites like Hook and Peter and even Smiegel (SMIEGEL!) make appearances.<\/span><\/p>\n

In conclusion, everyone has to see this movie. Pan<\/em> really is fun for the whole family. It has elements for both younger and older audiences to love. So, I give Pan<\/em> a whopping 5 out of 5 Hooks for its fun and entertaining story, great visuals, spectacular score and awesome characters. Pan<\/em> opens in theaters October 9 so mark your calendars. <\/span><\/p>\n