Peter Pan (1953)

Cast: Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, Hans Conried, Bill Thompson, Heather Angel and Paul Collins.

Director: Wilfred Jackson

Release Date: 1953

Genre: Animation/Family

Running Time: 1hr 17 minutes

Rating: U

Synopsis:

This is Walt Disney's adaption of J. M Barries classic book about the young boy who never grew up! Wendy, Michael and Peter receive a visit from Peter Pan who whisks them away to Neverland, where an ongoing war between Peter and Captain Hook is taking place.

Based on the best selling novel of the same name by J.M Barrie. Like many others Walt Disney saw the beauty within the book and adapted it into a gorgeous piece of animation. Every night Wendy tells her brothers Michael and John magical stories about the young boy who can fly Peter Pan, one night her dreams come true when Peter visits them at their bedroom window and whisks them away to Neverland. Pirates, mermaids and Native Indians what more could you want? I'm pretty sure everyone can relate to Peter in some shape or form, perhaps you don't wanna grow up or even though you are grown up you don't feel like an adult? Kid at heart? Walt Disney truly allows you to immerse yourself into this magical story.

Peter (Bobby Driscoll) is a free spirit, he's charming and the locals worship him! Bobby Driscoll delivers a wonderful performance, he suits the role of Peter perfectly. He's very charming and his presence really comes through his voice over work. Walt Disney has really hit the nail on the head when it comes to adapting J.M Barries classic book into a movie, The storyline is beautiful, it's magical, people of all ages can relate and the animation is absolutely stunning! It is a little bit disappointing to know that Walt Disney chose to leave a few bits out of the movie that were originally in the book, however it doesn't ruin the movie, it's still very very enjoyable.

Disney never fail to impress when it comes to their gorgeous animation. Produced in 1953, this is a very impressive looking film considering the time in which it was made. So much detail has gone into Captain Hook's ship, Peter Pan's underground home all made from a tree and mermaid lagoon. The use of colours are gorgeous, when your a child it's exactly how you'd picture mermaids to look, starfish in their hair, a fully functioning working Pirate ship. Hans Conried steals the show as the wonderful Captain James Hook. From personal experience Hans Conried and Dustin Hoffman have been the best at pulling off the character so far, no offence Jason Issacs, but you weren't that convincing. After reading the book my imagination and Walt Disney's imagination are not far off.

The score is captivating and magical, who can forget the famous song "Follow the leader" trust me you'll find yourself singing along before you know it, the soundtrack on it's own allows you to immerse yourself into this gorgeous realm of fantasy and magic. Wendy's emotional song will bring a tear to your eye. Are they really whisked away to Neverland or is it all simply a dream to get away from a very dominant father who wants his children to grow up? This movie is very special to me, it was one of the first that I owned on VHS when I was little, I can remember watching it on my 10th birthday, my friends and myself were captivated.

If your a huge Disney fan and haven't had the pleasure of viewing it, please do, all proceeds go towards Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, DVD's and Blu-Rays don't actually go towards the charity however Disney themselves donate a lot of money every year to support the charity! Please go and check it out, it's magical!

5/5 stars