Rated PG for fantasy action violence, language and some thematic material.
Starring Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller, Garrett Hedlund, Rooney Mara and Amanda Seyfried
Directed by Joe Wright (Hanna and The Soloist)
It was really hard to think happy thoughts through this one.
Pan, a live-action Peter Pan feature directed by Joe Wright (Atonement, Pride & Prejudice). Offering a new take on the origin of the classic characters created by J.M. Barrie, the action-adventure follows the story of an orphan who is spirited away to the magical Neverland. There, he finds both fun and dangers and ultimately discovers his destiny to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.
I’m hardly a Peter Pan expert, but I definitely was confused by this latest Pan film
Pan is a prequel of sorts to J.M. Barrie’s early 19th century classic “Peter Pan,” about the boy from Neverland who can fly and won’t grow up. So this film is basically fan fiction where beloved characters inhabit new worlds with strikingly different scenarios. So don’t go in thinking this is a modern reboot or classic retelling of the beloved story.
So when does it become clear that Pan is a big budget disaster? Pretty much during the absurd dogfight between a flying pirate ship and World War II spitfires. Then there is the scene that finds Hugh Jackman’s Blackbeard leading his cohorts in a rendition of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Seriously?
In spite of some pretty great special effects, the script leaves the audience wishing this was a sequel to Steven Spielberg’s Hook…and I really didn’t like Hook.
Pan is a “Coaster.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is nothing offensive in this PG film.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
- How would you describe Peter at the beginning of the film?
- Although he doesn’t grow up, what makes him “grow up”?
- What do you do when you face adversity?
- What does this first tell us to do when we face adversity?
- What are some things you need to pray about this week?
Read Psalm 118:5-6
Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Read Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Jonathan McKee
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for youth workers on TheSource4YM.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.