As far as we know, one characteristic that makes us different from other species is storytelling. We enjoy stories and everybody has their favorite type. There are people who like mysteries for some reason, while others love romances. Many industries are devoted to storytelling because of the high demand. Stories are a necessity as much as food, water, air, and shelter. One huge plus for those industries is that there are always new audiences being created to hear the old stories and new people coming along to re-interpret them. That’s why there are so many versions of Romeo and Juliet, Frankenstein, and Peter Pan.

The story of Peter, Wendy, and their adventures in Neverland is one of those fairy tales in which everyone knows the basics, but very few people, myself included, have ever read the original book. It has been told numerous times over the years in many variations, so I won’t rehash the plot. Like all the good fairy tales it has something for everyone: adventure for boys and for girls a tinge of romance and some girl power. One positive factor for the film was that in going back to the book there were many elements of the story brought forth that I didn’t know. I became more engaged with the movie as a result because I wasn’t always sure where the plot would turn next. My last contact with the story was the ride at Disneyland a few years ago and they just skim the plot.

P.J. Hogan’s version seems better suited for grown-ups than for kids, but the best children’s stories usually are, although my observation might be more of a commentary on the current state of movies for children. I don’t remember too many fart jokes in Peter Pan, which seems to be the apex of current family comedies. I’m sure children will be able to enjoy this swashbuckling adventure, but the themes and some other elements of the story would only be understood and appreciated by an older viewer. It certainly isn’t an accident that Capt. Hook and Mr. Darling are played by the same actor, but the reasons why are probably lost on children.

Speaking of the acting, Jason Isaacs does a masterful job portraying the meek father Mr. Darling and the villainous Captain Hook. Even though Hook has splendid costumes compared to the drab clothing of Mr. Darling, the choices Isaacs makes with his voice and gestures are the real difference. Rachael Hurd-Wood does a wonderful job as Wendy, who has a wide range of emotions throughout the story. She has to be a mother to the Lost Boys, has her first crush on Peter, and has to not be scared when she becomes Red-Handed Jill the pirate. Jeremy Sumpter as Peter Pan was adequate, but he is certainly outshined when he shares the screen with the aforementioned actors.