By: Orlando Arechiga

There have been plenty of film adaptations of the beloved novel by James Matthew Barrie, and now Disney has jumped on the ship and is retelling the story based on the novel, and the 1953 animated feature in a way never told before.

The basics are there, Peter Pan arrives at the Darling’s home and takes Wendy Moira Angela Darling, John Napoleon Darling, and Michael Nicholas Darling into Neverland. Wendy is in the spotlight of it all, as the story drifts into her thought process of growing up. The story also drifts off what we are used to seeing, and focuses on the background story of Captain Hook’s past and his early friendship with Peter Pan.

Director David Lowery adds his own pixie dust by showcasing the importance of friendship, growing up, and what a place called Neverland really means. Although it feels like the film uses maybe one or two locations on a beautiful island to represent Neverland and shows underwhelming action/fighting scenes with Peter Pan and Captain Hook, the decision to focus on Wendy’s and Peter Pan’s blossoming, developing, and evolving to adults, makes the story feel fresh.

It saddens me that this film did not have a theatrical approach, as the film showcases wonderful interpretations of the beloved characters and also includes a range of diverse actors that I believe people today would’ve loved to see on a big screen. (a color Tinkerbell, the first actor with Down syndrome to land a major role in a Disney film, a Native American princess, and a British actor playing Peter Pan).

Stand-out performances include Jude Law as Captain Hook, who captures the essentials of one of the most beloved villains in literature, and in the Disney villain catalog. Yara Shadhidi as Tinker Bell without a speaking role, embodies everything we love about the animated character. Lastly, Ever Gabo Anderson, brings a side of Wendy we have never seen. She desires more and is not afraid of taking a risk. Hollywood, be ready because Ever Gabo Anderson has the stardom to win an Academy Award one day.

Overall, ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’ is a great addition to the catalog of live-action films that are based on Disney animated films. Children and Adults will be able to relate to the range of great messages including the importance of a second chance, the importance of friendship, letting go, and understanding that growing up is not as bad as it seems. After all, believing in yourself or thinking happy thoughts can help the process.

‘Peter Pan and Wendy’ is now streaming on Disney Plus.