Return to Neverland

Review by Clint Morris

With Animated Disney sequels more common these days than getting a contemptible electricity bill, it's refreshing to find one that really cuts the mustard.

So dismantle the childproof lock, twist the jar and pop open the top … it's the homecoming of Pan, Hook and The Lost Boys! No not those Lost Boys.

Pumped full of vivacious vigor, Return to Neverland marks the welcome return to the screen of Peter Pan (seems he's a star now, hence the 'Peter Pan in' title), once again, and unsurprisingly, to do battle with his long-time archenemy, Captain Hook.

And while younger audiences probably ache for a little more something of the Toy Story, Shrek or Ice Age novelty - a trip back to Neverland will hold them over until Pixar comes up with something new.

It's been many years since the first movie, and Wendy is all grown up with a daughter of her own. When we first meet Jane, she's hearing yet another of her mother's magical stories about fairies and how they can fly.

You can almost imagine the words 'As If' floating cartoon like from her Jane's cynical mouth. She's about to have a change of tune though.

Believing that all these years his nemesis stole his gold, Captain Hook kidnaps Jane, hoping Peter Pan will come after her, and in turn reveal to Hook where the hidden stash is.

All the same Never Land rules apply, and at one point Tinker Bell is grounded because, yes, Jane doesn't believe in fairies.

It's Corey Burton ("Atlantis") who hogs most of the lines here - as the voice of Hook. He's in a role that directs itself, but still manages to sound artfully evil and dastardly - kids will love it.

As Pan, Blayne Weaver is only merely adequate. It's disappointing to see that both don't sing the songs of the film either, but that's an all too common occurrence these days.

Return to Neverland will strike a chord with youngsters. It's energetic, bright and quite engaging, despite the insipid plot. The animation is fine too, but the competition has got ferocious in the last couple of years, and kids will tell you Shrek looks better than cheaper-looking Pan any day.

It's nice to see this one skipped the direct to video market, and deservedly so it's at least got half an ounce of get-go in it.

Peter Pan reclaims his dignity finally; 11 years after losing it with Spielberg's disastrous Hook.

3 out of 5

Return to Neverland
Australian release: Commences Thursday 28th March.
Cast: Corey Burton, Blayne Weaver, Harriet Owen, Jeff Bennett, Kath Soucie, Quinn Beswick.
Director: Robin Budd.
Website: Click here

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