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Reviews
Peter Pan (2003)
An AWESOME adaptation!
I grew up watching Disney's 1953 version of Peter Pan and I loved it. The story of Peter Pan brings back a lot of memories for me, and I know I would have loved P.J. Hogan's version as a kid.
This particular version of Peter Pan came out when I was in high school and (I'll admit it up front) I didn't go see it when it first came out. In fact, it took me a few years before I actually sat down and watched the entire film. When I finally did, I was AMAZED at its complexity and imagery! What had taken me so long?! I think the coolest part of this version is that it REALLY delivers when it comes to the fear we've all had about becoming adults. Most of us can look back on our childhood and realize we had no huge responsibilities, no real worries, and we look back on those days with a kind of sad fondness to how simple life used to be - and we didn't even realize it.
Wendy Darling is on the brink of womanhood and is fighting it with all her might. She wants to please both her parents (especially her stuffy father), but feels she is too young to give up her childhood ideals and stories. Peter Pan offers her and her brothers, John and Michael, a chance to come live in Neverland with him and the Lost Boys (who btw are all adorable in this film). Jason Isaacs is hands down the best Captain Hook that's ever been done, and the relationship complexities between Wendy, Peter, and Hook is fascinating! All the acting was extremely well done.
As far as the so called "sexual tension" of the film goes, I didn't look at it like that. Peter and Wendy may have a little crush going on, but that all stems back to growing up, falling in love, and (ultimately) getting married. Peter cannot grow up and never will. He won't ever be able to experience that kind of emotion, while Wendy realizes that she WANTS to.
As far as Wendy and Hook go, I looked at it as a mirror image of the strained relationship Wendy had with her father. Call it an Electra complex if you want, but I didn't completely see it that way...
Another amazing thing about this version is the musical score. Its PERFECT. I can't even describe it in words, but it captures every moment as it should. The costumes and the scenery are also beautiful.
This film touched me, and I don't say that lightly. It brought me back to when I loved this story in childhood and makes me want to be young again. Its amazing in a way, and sad in another. If you love the timeless story of Peter Pan, you need to see this movie.
Gossip Girl (2007)
A surprising favorite and guilty pleasure.
OK, here's an UP TO DATE review.
I admit, I was a late-comer to Gossip Girl. I had read the books back when they first came out, but never finished the series. I didn't start watching until 7 episodes in. However, after watching just one episode, I knew I had to see all of the previous. So I watched online.
Yes, the first few episodes were a bit slow. But they also had a TON of back-story and character development to do first before they could get to the good stuff. But once they got into it, man is it addicting! And way more interesting than the books ever were (in my opinion anyways).
I'm 22 years-old...not a teen anymore. And yet, I still love this show! There are surprising twists, interesting characters, scandal, love...its got a Cruel Intentions sort of vibe to it.
The critic hype lives up to its word. So if you're interested in this show (and you must be if you're looking it up on here), watch a few episodes and see for yourself.