Number Fourteen: Peter Pan

Peter Pan

1953

VCRs are things of the Devil. It should not take one hour and thirty minutes to set one up, especially when there are three people working on it. We had to find multiple copies of this movie, various playing devices, and several TVs before we found a combination of those that worked. I guess my friends and I are just special. We should have really tried putting in the freezer.

This movie is only seventy five minutes long. That’s right, it took us more time to be able to watch it then it did to actually watch it. However, it was completely worth it, because this movie is wonderful.

Who wouldn’t love a story about never wanting to grow up? Maybe some grumpy old lady who hates sunshine and kicks puppies in her spare time. I can’t imagine someone like her liking anything though.

Over in London, there is a family named the Darlings. They fit their name quite well, for they are your typical sweet family. Minus the dad. He’s mean and I would not want to know him in real life.

One night the Darling parents are getting ready to attend a party, leaving their dog in charge of their three kids, because a dog is a totally suitable babysitter. While he is getting ready, grumpy Mr. Darling gets annoyed that his boys used his shirt as a treasure map. As he is pouting about this, he trips over some blocks. Really he should be complaining. They just made his shirt look more unique! No one ever appreciates creativity.

Mr. Darling blames Nana, the dog, on the block situation, and locks her up outside. So now they have no babysitter for their kids. That’s no problem for them, they just leave to go to their party anyway! Such fantastic parents.

As all the kids are getting ready for bed, they receive a visit from Peter Pan. The eldest child, Wendy, often tells stories to her younger brothers about this strange boy, but no one knew him to be truly real. Peter is at their house to retrieve his shadow, which Nana snapped off of him the last time he was here. After he is able to catch it, Wendy helps him sew it back.

Once his shadow is safely attached, Peter teaches the Darlings to fly so they may go back with him to Neverland, a magical place where no one ever has to grow up. I so want to go there. I’m going to form a group, and together we are going to travel there. I’m thinking next week is a good time to go. Talk to me if you want in on this adventure!

In order to fly, you must think good thoughts and get sprinkled with pixie dust. Is that all? Really? I must hunt down a pixie now. It can’t be too hard to find one. I wonder if they sell them at Target.

Now that they know how to fly, they are off! Once in Neverland, the encounter little boys dressed as animals, pirates, mermaid, and even Indians! The leaders of the pirates is none other than the fantastic, amazing, wonderful, delightful Captain Hook. One day, I hope to be able to play him. I don’t care that I am a girl, I can totally pull off being him (Julie, if you are reading this, plllllllllleeeeeeeaaaaseee can we do Peter Pan for a show and can I pretty please be Hook? I’ll make you pie!)

Captain Hook is evil, crazy, and just downright awesome. Who doesn’t love a crazy mean pirate with a hook for an arm who is also scared of crocodiles? Even the puppy-punting lady I mentioned above loves him! Captain Hook is why I watch this movie. He’s hilarious. Peter Pan is a jerk for feeding his hand to the crocodile. That’s just inhumane.

Throughout the rest of the film, we watch Peter, the Darlings, his pixie companion Tinker Bell, and the lost boys wander around Neverland, and eventually being captured by the pirates. Captain Hook is obviously seeking revenge on Peter. Peter has it coming, so I don’t feel bad for him.

Unfortunately, Peter saves the day and Captain Hook is chased off into the sunset by the evil crocodile who is hoping to finish him up. Wendy decides she’s had enough of Neverland, and takes her brothers home. The end.

I know this review sounds somewhat spazzy, and all over the place. Really it kind of is, I just didn’t want to write out the details of the parts I didn’t find as exciting. You all have seen this movie. I’m not going explain it in any way that would be new to you, so I might as well just use my time to elaborate on the parts I adore.

Because really, that’s what I feel towards this movie. Adoration. The thought of being able to never grow up, to live with pirates, to be able to fly, all of that is just so incredible to think about. Being five when I first saw this, I instantly fell in love with Peter Pan. It was my dream to grow up to be able to not grow up. That statement makes sense; just don’t think about it for too long. I still hope that one day I’ll be able to find Neverland. I’m going to begin my work on that tomorrow, by starting my pixie hunt. Wish me luck!

Movie Watching Budd(y)(ies): Heather and Mario. When I am added to the picture, we are awful with electronics. We make a terrible team.

Best Song: “You Can Fly!” Because you totally can fly. It’s possible. I’m sure! I hope. It’d better be.

Best Part: Captain Hook’s assistant shaving a seagulls butt. Hysterical every time.