This is probably the best adaptation of Peter Pan and it deserves place in movie classics. The reason it had low success in theaters and it passed almost unnoticed lies not in its quality, but in fact it was released in the middle of Harry Potter mania and at the same time with the best fantasy movie of all time - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Practically nothing had real chance competing with those two.

This is classic version of Peter Pan, but really excellent one. Production is top, although not on LOTR level. Kids are incredibly cute and they played their roles really well and scenery is beautiful. Few times I thought that CGI is bit unconvincing, but I think it's done on purpose to make distinction between real world and world of fantasy. What particularly distinguishes this adaptation is the relationship between Peter and Wendy, which is elevated to a higher level than the one we are used to. Here they are not just children, but preteens who develop early stage of romantic love and even some sort of sexual tension. That deepens their relationship and adds new dimension to the story, that is not just two-dimensional fairy-tale any more, like it was in animated Disney version. Warm recommendation.

8/10

I was given this as a birthday gift and wasn't that eager about watching it at first, but when I did, I was blown away. The CGI and flying was incredible for a movie in 2003, and there is frequently humor, like how John got his hat or what happens to Michael's bear. I like it better than Disney's version and how it was so much closer to the original book. They brought it alive. Some of the similarities are how Tinker Bell almost dies, and people shout, "I believe in fairies!" in hope that she will live, or how a hut is built around Wendy.

However, the reason I subtracted four stars is that there is an entire romance between Peter Pan and Wendy. That is a bad example for you children, especially with how Wendy kisses Peter. The only good side of it is that Peter is not growing up and does not understand love, which is interesting. The mermaids were creepy, and Hook was once shown without his hand, completely. It was not simply without his hook. It appears he has to sling something over his shoulder and around his arm to put the stub the hook is attached to there. Peter's outfit also shows a bit too much.

The battles on the ship and in a castle were exciting and perfect. The movie would have been, too, if we didn't have the romance.

This is the closest Peter Pan to the book that has ever been made-I recommend it for Adults-not exactly for kids.When I was a wee young thing my Italian Noni used to read us bedtime stories-usually not the ones with happy endings-more the dark kind. I have been read and read Peter Pan at least 100 times. This movie is possibly the closest to the intent of Barrie,it sticks to the double edge of the book closely. The acting,especially Hook/Darling double role played by Jason Issacs is superb-Who would have thought Hook could be so evil and sexy at the same time.And Lynn Redgrave was amazing. Funny I had not seen it until today.I was in tears from beginning to end.