Critic Reviews
Peter Pan (2003) Rank 3 Reviews
Expert Review Summary
based on (212) reviews
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Portland Oregonian (Shawn Levy)
Hogan whips up a high-energy family entertainment that fairly erases memory of the other filmed versions of Barrie's tale. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Portland Oregonian (Shawn Levy)
San Francisco Chronicle (Carla Meyer)
MovieWeb (Christopher Monfette)
Movie Gazette (Gary Panton)
UpcomingDiscs.com (David Annandale)
Netflix (James Rocchi)
P.J. Hogan's adaptation of the children's classic is full of dread, desire and delight -- and is one of the best family films in a long while. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Netflix (James Rocchi)
Metro Times (Detroit, MI) (Anita Schmaltz)
No matter what your wrinkle-count...you may just find yourself saying, 'I do believe in well-made films for kids.' ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Metro Times (Detroit, MI) (Anita Schmaltz)
Matt's Movie Reviews (Matt Easterbrook)
A requiem for lost childhood, which simultaneously stands in light judgment of Peter's refusal to grow up. It's a frank and rather beautiful conundrum that's wonderfully addressed. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Matt's Movie Reviews (Matt Easterbrook)
Orlando Weekly (Steve Schneider)
It's literate, funny, exciting and drenched in fairy dust. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Orlando Weekly (Steve Schneider)
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (Jack Garner)
No other version of Peter Pan has ever been as richly evocative of the lovely book illustrations of the Victorian era. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (Jack Garner)
Worcester Telegram & Gazette (Daniel M. Kimmel)
This lavish Peter Pan is a welcome addition to the fold, and will be a movie parents share with their children for many years to come. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Worcester Telegram & Gazette (Daniel M. Kimmel)
Cinenganos (Luis Martinez)
Siendo notorio el gusto de Hogan por las letras clásicas de Peter Pan y Wendy, el director sabe educir el alma del libro para llevarla al celuloide. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Cinenganos (Luis Martinez)
Village Voice (Michael Atkinson)
Uniquely jacked into a ripe sense of antique-nursery Victoriana and buzzing with a pre-adolescent metaphoric charge, J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan is a primary text of modern culture, and P.J. Hogan's live-action rendition is the only one, screen or stage, to ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Village Voice (Michael Atkinson)
LA Weekly (John Patterson)
The movie belongs quite rightly to Wendy, the most enchanting little girl in English fiction, and to the untrained actress, Rachel Hurd-Wood, who plays her. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at LA Weekly (John Patterson)
The New York Times (A.O. Scott)
Mr. Hogan understands both themes, and his filmmaking style is a perfect mixture of wide-eyed wonder and slightly melancholy sophistication. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at The New York Times (A.O. Scott)
Washington Post (Ann Hornaday)
Imbued with a greater degree of psychological darkness than before. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Washington Post (Ann Hornaday)
Juicy Cerebellum (Alex Sandell)
It's something dreamlike and not entirely real, but something you'll find yourself wishing you could lasso and bring into your reality. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Juicy Cerebellum (Alex Sandell)
Supercala.com (John Venable)
A few additions into the script would've turned this from good to darn near great. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Supercala.com (John Venable)
New York Times (A.O. Scott)
What distinguishes this Peter Pan from other versions is its unsentimental insight into the terrors and delights of both childhood and growing up. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at New York Times (A.O. Scott)
Christian Spotlight on the Movies
Movie Mom Review
Aisle View at DVDtalk.com
Hollywood Jesus Visual Reviews
The Film Asylum
CinemaScreen (James Salter)
SPLICEDwire (Rob Blackwelder)
I felt as if I was discovering Peter Pan all over again. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at SPLICEDwire (Rob Blackwelder)
Sacramento Bee (Joe Baltake)
Hurd-Wood, a newcomer, brings an earnest charm to Wendy. She's letter-perfect in the role. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Sacramento Bee (Joe Baltake)
Blunt Review (Emily Blunt)
All the prior Peter Pans to date have either been waifish women or a middle-aged man... ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Blunt Review (Emily Blunt)
Denver Post (Lisa Kennedy)
Action-fortified, touching and entertaining from its beguiling beginning to its dreamy conclusion. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Denver Post (Lisa Kennedy)
Detroit Free Press (Terry Lawson)
If this film is passed over for technical Academy Award nominations it would be a real oversight. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Detroit Free Press (Terry Lawson)
Greenwich Village Gazette (Eric Lurio)
The film gives insight to the psychological mess that is the original PETER PAN. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Greenwich Village Gazette (Eric Lurio)
Seattle Times (Moira MacDonald)
Little children may find it a bit scary ... but it's a warmhearted and often magical adventure. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Seattle Times (Moira MacDonald)
Minneapolis Star Tribune (Colin Covert)
Every generation deserves its own version of Peter Pan . Until the next one arrives in 2019 or so, this one will do nicely. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Minneapolis Star Tribune (Colin Covert)
Boston Globe (Ty Burr)
All Peter Pan lacks is a Peter Pan with any discernible personality, no matter that Jeremy Sumpter is the first actual, genetic boy to play the role on film. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Boston Globe (Ty Burr)
Movie Parables (Michael Elliott)
While it may be a bit too intense for the very young, Peter Pan is a rousing good time for a family outing. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Movie Parables (Michael Elliott)
Boston Globe (Ty Burr)
Has in the young British actress Rachel Hurd-Wood a Wendy for the ages. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Boston Globe (Ty Burr)
MovieFreak.com (Sara M. Fetters)
So what need is there, then, for director P.J. Hogan's latest live-action incarnation of Barrie's tale? Not much, really, but I'm sure glad that didn't stop him from making it. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at MovieFreak.com (Sara M. Fetters)
Palo Alto Online (Tyler Hanley)
Cinema Confidential (Sean Chavel)
This is the film version of Peter Pan that families are going to fall in love with. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Cinema Confidential (Sean Chavel)
Creative Loafing (Matt Brunson)
I've never been a big fan of Peter Pan in any of its numerous incarnations... so imagine my surprise as I fell victim to the rapturous spell of this new version. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Creative Loafing (Matt Brunson)
San Diego Union-Tribune (David Elliott)
For kids, the movie is a sure thing. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at San Diego Union-Tribune (David Elliott)
Kansas City Star (Robert W. Butler)
Magical, bittersweet and substantial. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Kansas City Star (Robert W. Butler)
Palo Alto Weekly (Tyler Hanley)
This latest incarnation of the J. M. Barrie play is an uplifting cinematic fairytale along the lines of Labyrinth and The Neverending Story . ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Palo Alto Weekly (Tyler Hanley)
St. Paul Pioneer Press (Chris Hewitt (St. Paul))
Maxfield Parrish- influenced look, unhurried storytelling, heartfelt performances and graceful direction make for a film as comforting and warm as sitting around the fireplace. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at St. Paul Pioneer Press (Chris Hewitt (St. Paul))
Philadelphia Inquirer (David Hiltbrand)
Though the story dawdles at times, the visuals are splendid. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Philadelphia Inquirer (David Hiltbrand)
Baltimore Sun (Michael Sragow)
Even at its most hyperactive, Peter Pan has a core of good and bad feeling that will hit home to kids and to adults with honest memories. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Baltimore Sun (Michael Sragow)
eFilmCritic.com (Eric D. Snider)
It is not a film for the ages, nor [is it] the definitive presentation. But its marvelous visuals will certainly entertain the kiddies. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at eFilmCritic.com (Eric D. Snider)
Cinema in Focus (Denny Wayman and Hal Conklin)
Shannon Patrick Sullivan
efilmcritic.com (Collin Souter)
As smart and definitive a version as we're likely to see for a while, which is fine, if only because it casts an actual child actor instead of a creepy female man-child. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at efilmcritic.com (Collin Souter)
DVD Talk (Matthew Millheiser)
MovieWeb (Joshua "Clark" Bertram)
National Post (Adam Sternbergh)
The promotional tag line promises a Peter Pan like you've never seen before, and that's true. But moreover, this feels like Peter Pan as it always should have been done. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at National Post (Adam Sternbergh)
Charlotte Observer (Lawrence Toppman)
Isaacs tops the cast (even Richard Briers' delightful Smee) as an imperious, ironic, murderous, bitter and lonely Hook. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Charlotte Observer (Lawrence Toppman)
Arizona Daily Star (Phil Villarreal)
Jeremy Sumpter, so strong in the exemplary horror film Frailty (2002), is a superb Peter Pan. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Arizona Daily Star (Phil Villarreal)
New York Daily News (Elizabeth Weitzman)
Both enchantingly old-fashioned and daringly modern. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at New York Daily News (Elizabeth Weitzman)
Bucket Reviews (Danny Baldwin)
RopeofSilicon (Brad Brevet)
Flipside Movie Emporium (Rob Vaux)
ReelViews (James Berardinelli)
Forget everything you think you know about boys who never grow old, pirates with a hook for a hand, and a place called Neverland. For many people of a certain age, the only Peter Pan they recognize is the 1953 animated Disney movie. Although not a bad ada ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at ReelViews (James Berardinelli)
bibloi.com (Boyd van Hoeij)
ViewLondon (Matthew Turner)
San Francisco Chronicle (Carla Meyer)
A dazzling retelling of the J.M. Barrie tale, offers accomplished acting, splendid visuals, and in the role of the boy who won't grow up ... an actual boy. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at San Francisco Chronicle (Carla Meyer)
New York Daily News (Elizabeth Weitzman)
Both enchantingly old-fashioned and daringly modern. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at New York Daily News (Elizabeth Weitzman)
Charlotte Observer (Lawrence Toppman)
It's gay in the old-fashioned sense, a giddy whirl for the senses, from chilly English drawing rooms to lush Neverland jungle. It's innocent in believing love banishes all ills, even physical ones, and inspires unthinkable heroism. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Charlotte Observer (Lawrence Toppman)
Entertainment Weekly (Owen Gleiberman)
A bright, whirling pinwheel of a movie that tosses around special effects like confetti, but the techno magic is graced with a touch of sensuality. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Entertainment Weekly (Owen Gleiberman)
Chicago Tribune (Mark Caro)
It's as if the movie itself has been sprinkled with fairy dust, and good thing, too: The world of Peter Pan is, at heart, so troublesome that it might as well also be enchanting. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Chicago Tribune (Mark Caro)
ReelViews (James Berardinelli)
Unlike last year's disastrous "Pinocchio" with Roberto Benigni, this movie proves worth the time, effort, and money to get the whole family to a theater. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at ReelViews (James Berardinelli)
Salt Lake Tribune (Sean Means)
Even though the film employs up-to-date special effects..., its spirit may be truer to Barrie's ideal than any other film version. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Salt Lake Tribune (Sean Means)
San Jose Mercury News (Bruce Newman)
If, as you go into the theater, you hear people coming out still chanting 'I do believe in fairies. I do! I do!' do not be alarmed. Soon you will be joining them. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at San Jose Mercury News (Bruce Newman)
David N. Butterworth
Baltimore Sun (--)
Movieman's Guide to the Movies (Kushmeer Farakhan)
TheMovieBoy.com (Dustin Putman)
If it's family fare you're seeking, see this and skip the dreadful, condescending Cheaper by the Dozen . You can thank me later. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at TheMovieBoy.com (Dustin Putman)
DVDwolf (Rob Paul)
CinemaBlend - DVD review
Entertain Your Brain! - Review
dvdfuture.com (Randy Spiros)
FilmFocus.co.uk - Review
Reel Film Reviews (David Nusair)
Crosswalk.com Movies (Holly McClure)
Zertinet Movies Review
CinemaScreen (James Salter)
digitallyOBSESSED.com (Joel Cunningham)
JaxMovies.com (Sean Conover)
Chicago Reader (Hank Sartin)
It's a bad sign when you can't name or differentiate any of the Lost Boys. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Chicago Reader (Hank Sartin)
The Onion (A.V. Club) (Keith Phipps)
It's tacky and beautiful, sometimes both at the same time. Occasionally flatfooted even as it sparkles, the film suffers when Hogan lets the scenery do the directing for him, but he's chosen a cast capable of shouldering the film's weight. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at The Onion (A.V. Club) (Keith Phipps)
This is Lancashire (--)
Los Angeles Times (Kenneth Turan)
Though being magical is very much its intention, it never manages to cross the threshold that makes that happen in our hearts. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Los Angeles Times (Kenneth Turan)
Cranky Critic® (Chuck Schwartz)
This Peter Pan is by far the most beautiful and wondrous film of them all. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Cranky Critic® (Chuck Schwartz)
The Wild Things of God
Reel.com DVD review (Sarah Chauncey)
Exclaim! (Laura Francis)
Planet Sick-Boy
Unlike Nickleby, there's no cross-dressing in Pan, as Jeremy Sumpter becomes the first young male actor to play the lead role in this story on the big screen. Pan does, however, conclude with a sexually charged swordfight which takes on new meaning ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Planet Sick-Boy
DVD Net (Anthony Clarke)
Dallas Morning News (Chris Vognar)
Faithful to its source but rather unremarkable as a movie experience. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Dallas Morning News (Chris Vognar)
Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Eleanor Ringel Gillespie)
The movie may not soar, but this awfully big adventure is far from earthbound. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Eleanor Ringel Gillespie)
Parent Previews
Detroit News (Tom Long)
If you're interested in returning to Neverland -- or taking some young person along for the ride -- this Pan will serve you well. For others, though, the flight might seem too familiar. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Detroit News (Tom Long)
I Viddied it on the Screen (Alex Jackson)
The Flick Filosopher (MaryAnn Johanson)
CineScene.com (Kristen Ashley)
DVD Authority.com (Daniel Pulliam)
Entertainment Insiders (Rusty White)
A Guide to Current DVD (Aaron Beierle)
eFilmCritic Reviews
Film Quips (John R. McEwen)
LifeWay.com (Mike & Paula Parker)
Screen It! Entertainment Reviews for Parents
Future Movies - review (Matt McAllister)
Steve Rhodes <Steve.Rhodes@internetreviews.com>
Paraphrasing the Pope'srecent film reviewcan sum upP.J. Hogan'sPeter Pan It is not as it was. And, despiteRachel HurdWood's promising debut in the role of Wendy Darling, it is also not worth the wait.Hogan's version arrives at the tail end of this ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at Steve Rhodes <Steve.Rhodes@internetreviews.com>
Movie-Vault.com (Avril Carruthers)
Reeling Reviews with Robin & Laura Clifford
moviepicks.org (Stephanie Chan)
New York Post (Lou Lumenick)
Overall, though, this new Peter Pan does really soar. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at New York Post (Lou Lumenick)
USA Today (Mike Clark)
Peter is as adequate as the Harry Potter movies are, though you never sense in either case that kids are being bitten with the permanent movie-loving bug. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at USA Today (Mike Clark)
Richard A. Zwelling
EDGE Boston (David Foucher)
The latest version of J.M. Barrie’s book hits the screen... alas, all we got was a shadow of the tale. ...read the complete Peter Pan movie review at EDGE Boston (David Foucher)
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