The thing about these Disney live-action remakes is they don’t have the magical power to suddenly make the original works disappear. If you’re genuinely upset about the diverse casting in “Peter Pan & Wendy” because it somehow ruins your delicate childhood memories of watching the 1953 Disney animated film—well, first of all, we’re talking about a magical boy who doesn’t grow up and a FAIRY, among other characters, so I think there’s plenty of room for poetic license. Also, you don’t HAVE to watch this new movie. Through the magic of streaming, you can catch the 1953 “Peter Pan” right now if you’re willing to spend a few bucks. Childhood memories saved!
For those capable of cherishing the 1953 film—or maybe one of the dozens of other “Peter Pan” adaptations and spinoffs through the years—while also welcoming the opportunity to see a new take on an old tale, I’m pleased to report that the versatile and talented director David Lowery (“A Ghost Story,” “The Old Man & the Gun,” “The Green Knight”) and the requisite army of technical wizards have delivered one of the most visually stunning trips to Neverland ever recorded on film, featuring a cast of gifted young actors and reliable veterans who seem born to the roles.
