User Reviews

"Peter Pan In Return To Never Land" is Disney‘s animated sequel to their truly classic 1953 adaptation of J.M. Barrie‘s beloved children‘s story. Time‘s moved on since the first movie and although Peter Pan never grew up, Wendy did. It‘s now World War Two and an adult Wendy is living in London, still telling tales of Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell and all the other inhabitants of Never Land to her two children; Danny, an awe struck little boy and Jane, a more cynical, pragmatic older girl who has no time for fairytales. However when Hook flies his sailing ship to London, kidnaps Jane and takes her to Never Land, she soon wishes she has paid more attention to her mother‘s stories.

With a budget of a ‘mere‘ $20M the film was produced by Disney‘s TV animation department (who have previously toiled over ‘straight to video/DVD‘ sequels for other Disney movies including "Cinderella," "The Lady And The Tramp," "The Lion King" and "The Little Mermaid"), but this was apparently always planned as a cinematic release. The film succeeds in combining the traditional feel of the original ‘50s animation with a more contemporary look, particularly for the intrepid young heroine Jane (whose modern looking bobbed haircut was actually highly fashionable during World War Two!). The use of computer generated animation does successfully enhance certain scenes, sometimes so subtly you don‘t even notice, and sometimes – in the case of Tinkerbell‘s magical pixie dust – to spectacular effect. However Hook‘s computer generated ship, while certainly impressive, unfortunately stands out uncomfortably from the traditionally animated environments that surround it. Overall though "Peter Pan In Return To Never Land" – only the second sequel to a Disney feature to be released on the big screen – more than deserves a cinematic outing, and will no doubt go down well with the latest generation of Disney fans, who have grown up with a VHS copy of the original at home.

After so many years it was not a surprise that the original charm and concept would not be captured the same way in its sequel. The animation was incredibly expressive and smooth, close to being top-notch in traditional animation at the time given it was animated by Walt Disney TV Animation.

The plot kept some beats that resonate with what Peter Pan and Neverland are all about: growing up. Themes like maturing, friendship, faith and imagination are explored again in this film only with new characters and a new backdrop (London Blitz period in WWII). But it's undeniable the frequent talking down to the more younger audiences instead of allowing them to learn the lessons by themselves.

Surprisingly, the plot had direction and a final goal with other subplots emerging from it that made sense most of the time. Nevertheless, these were not as engaging enough to keep the audience wondering if the protagonists were in danger at all.

IN CONCLUSION, the movie doesn't do many things wrong but rather stick to what it does well, it has varied and quirky characters, an endearing sequel effect with Wendy all grown up, fun and heartwarming messages for the younger audiences and original ideas like having a new enemy for Captain Hook or the background of the story with the father. But that's just it, the movie is just another adventure with similar beats from the first Peter Pan, it doesn't try to tell a new story just "reinvent the wheel". Also fans of the original work Disney's movie is based on might get angered by how little it reminisces the original spirit of the stories. Although by now it should be obvious that Disney's creations are but loosely-based adaptations of such tales so it shouldn't be judged harshly.

Sequel to classic history with an enjoyable Peter Pan , adventures , imagination ,astounding as well as gorgeous sets and brilliant images , though it was originally planned as a direct-to-video release in which the protagonist of the story results to be Wendy's daughter and is set in London during World War II . The picture mingles action , feats , humor , tongue-in-cheek , fantasy and a lot of entertainment . The film centers about Peter Pan (voice by Blayne Weaver) , a nice adolescent who doesn't want grow up , Wendy , her daughter Jane and brothers . As Jane is kidnapped by Captain Hook from parents' home and they are going to Neverland . As main starring is abducted by Captain Hook and Peter Pan must come to the rescue in order to challenge his old enemy . Peter Pan , Tink and Lost Boys (they were boys who fell out of their prams while the nurses weren't looking , whereas Peter Pan is a permanent resident of Never Neverland, the lost boys are only temporary lodgers , if they seem to grow up, Peter Pan sends them home) will take on captain Hook , Smee and pirates henchmen . As Peter Pan's quest to go back Jane safely home is jeopardized until she can start to believe in the magic of imagination .

The film contains emotion , humor , fantasy , songs and a lot of fun . The plot is similar to Walt Disney's classic replacing Wendy with her daughter Jane who along with Peter undertake several adventures in Neverland ; as Pan with the help of her and the Lost Boys must save his friends by battling with Captain Hook and Smee once again . From the beginning to the end the amusement and entertainment is interminable . An entertaining movie , a little tiring when the characters are singing , but is still shines . The highlights film are the marvelous images when Peter Pan and Jane are flying throughout Neverland , it turns out to be colorful and delightful . Due to controversy over their appearance in original movie , as Disney attracted negative comments for their stereotypical depiction of Indians, as indeed did J.M. Barrie with his original play , it's probably for that very reason that the Indians do not appear in this 2002 sequel , though Peter and Jane briefly visit their places , however ; as they fly over Tipis , Indian tribes and skull monument . The giant octopus was created as a new nemesis for Captain Hook because it was felt that the Disney animators had exhausted all the comic possibilities of "Hook vs. the Crocodile" in the original Peter Pan (1953). The octopus's tentacles make a "Pock! Pock!" sound that is similar to the "Tick Tock!" sound heard from the crocodile in the previous film . Although original author J.M. Barrie is credited, this sequel and its original were the only major films versions of "Peter Pan" and both of them use little of his original dialogue . Because most of the original voice cast of the movie had died, including Hans Conried (Hook) and Bobby Driscoll (Peter Pan), an entirely new cast of actors had to be used to film this sequel such as Corey Burton as Hook , Jeff Bennett as Smee , Kath Soucie as Wendy , Roger Rees as Edward , Spencer Breslin as Cubby , Bradley Pierce as Nibs and Clive Revill . Many Peter Pan purists were very upset by the characterization of Tinker Bell as a petulant and voluptuous young woman as old film ¨Peter Pan¨ as its sequel the ¨Return to Never Land¨ . The fable will appeal to adventure and classic tale fan . Rating : 6,5/10 above average . It's a terrific familiar amusement that will appeal to vintage tale fans .

Other films and stage productions dealing with this classic personage are the followings : The original Broadway production of "Peter Pan", or "The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up" by J.M. Barrie opened at the Empire Theater on November 6, 1905 , it ran for 223 performances, closed on May 20, 1906, and starred nineteenth-century stage actress Maude Adams, who never made any films ; silent film ¨Peter Pan¨ (1924) starred by Virginia Brown Faire as Tinker Bell , it uses much of Barrie's original dialogue ; Peter Pan (1953) with voice by Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, Hans Conried ; ¨Hook¨(2001) with Steven Spielberg with Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook , Robin Williams , Freddie Highmore , Julia Roberts , Bob Hoskins as Smee , Maggie Smith and Caroline Goodall ; ¨Finding Neverland¨ (2004) by Marc Foster with Johnny Depp as James M Barry , Kate Winslet , Kelly McDonald as Peter Pan , Julie Christie , Radha Mitchell , and recent version ¨Peter Pan¨ by JP Hogan with Jeremy Sumpter , Raquel Wood and Jason Isaac .

Others have bemoaned the lack of creativity or the re-hash of the original story. What did they expect, Peter Pan goes to law school? My 8 year old was bouncing with excitement by the end of the movie. I found the CG animation of the Pirate Ship over London to be in

the best of the Disney tradition. They leave you guessing up until the very end as to whether Peter Pan is real or if both Wendy and her daughter dreamed him. Look for one goof: The truck (2 1/2 ton Army truck) bears a United States white star when it picks up and drops off Dad, who is obviously a British soldier/airman. Though theoretically possible, it is highly unlikely that there was an

American Amry truck in London as the U.S. did not actively enter the war unitl January 1942 and the Blitz had been going on long before that. Forget the critics - go see it and take the kids.

The other day I decided to go for the Disney sequels, Peter Pan one of my top favorite Disney films and as nervous as I was to see the sequel "Return to Never Land", but I decided to go ahead and give it a look. You know what? It wasn't that bad, it was actually pretty enjoyable as far as Disney sequels go. I loved seeing the return of Captain James Hook, he and his sidekick, Smee, just cracked me up so badly in the first Peter Pan, they were back in Return to Never Land and are still crazy than ever. Despite the fact that the crocodile wasn't back, I would've loved to see that return, the octopus wasn't a bad addition. The jokes are still fun and the story is still magical. We got to see what life was like for Wendy when she finally had to grow up and had a family of her own.

Wendy is all grown up and has a family of her own, a loving husband, daughter, Jane, and son, Danny. Her husband goes to war and tells little Jane that she is in charge, so Jane takes that very seriously and acts as head of the household. Despite that she is still very young, she doesn't believe in Never Land and her mother's tales, but when Captain Hook thinks he grabs Wendy, he grabs Jane and takes her to Never Land to capture Peter Pan. Peter saves Jane and offers her to join the Lost Boys and hopes to restore her faith in his adventures and fairies, but all she wants to do is go home.

Return to Never Land is a fun Disney sequel that I have to admit that I was actually more impressed with. There are still a lot of great laughs and the story is still as adventurous as the first time when I watched the first Peter Pan. It was a little disturbing to hear the big difference of the voices, but I'm getting past it. After all, it's been over 40 years since the original Peter Pan, so I think it would've been hard to get the same actors. But I recommend Return to Never Land, it's a cute Disney sequel.

6/10

Take this review with a grain of salt, because I am a massive fan of Peter Pan and all things properly based on the James Barrie classic. This sequel, however, made me cringe. I've enjoyed liberal interpretations before - Hook and Finding Neverland, for example - but this movie completely trashed whatever character Peter Pan is supposed to have. Peter Pan is not a hero - he is a mischievous and often forgetful boy. He is entirely selfish and entirely charming, and these are his two flaws. However, in "Return to Neverland," this character of "Peter Pan" is a mere ghost of the complex Barrie creation. Whatever beautiful messages Peter Pan has about nostalgia and childhood, "Return to Neverland" turns them upside down at worst, and simply ignores them at best.

The animation wasn't bad, though.

Young Jane has lost her faith in imagination and Peter Pan with the outbreak of the Second World War II. With her father off at war and her mother distracted by childish stories, Jane feels she is the most mature, and is looking after her family as she promised she would. But after a falling out with Wendy, Jane finds herself on board Captain Hook's ship, heading towards the second star to the right. It's not until Jane let's go of trying to be a grown up does she truly find happiness and magic. The music throughout is very well written and while modernized does still replicate the feel of the original. Ultimately, I feel this was a great carry-on from the original with all the splendor of Neverland and the perils of the island shared between Peter and Hook!

Return To Neverland isn't terrible, but it does fail on many levels, so can't be classed as a good sequel. The animation and the story were the redeeming qualities, but unfortunately the songs and the characters fall flat.

The animation is mostly bright and colourful, but falls flat in the dark backgrounds. The story wasn't bad either, trying to keep Hook from getting the treasure and everything. I also liked the war scene, because that was quite interesting on an animation perspective, and brought some intrigue on a contextual level. I was unimpressed by the trailer, but the film itself wasn't bad, but loses the charm about 15 minutes in. I will say it has a great message about cherishing your childhood.

The first problem was that the kidnapping scene took far too long, despite the breathtaking animation of Hook's ship, and I hated the change to Hook. In the original and the criminally underrated TV series Peter Pan and the Pirates, which are both classics, he is complex and vindictive, but here he was manipulative in a negative way, and lacked menace. The best character was Jane, but that isn't saying much, and Peter's new voice was horrible, too bolshy. The songs were terrible and forgettable immediately after you've finished watching the movie, likewise with the dialogue. The main problem was that it isn't a true sequel at all, compared to the first film and the book. And the octopus, why replace the crocodile may I ask?

I'm sorry that this is mostly negative, but Return To Neverland was very disappointing. Though better than the trailer suggested, it is still a pretty charmless film, with a 3/10(Adequate) Bethany Cox

This movie is not up to normal Disney standards in either the musical or animation department. As a whole, however, it isn't that bad. There are a few very charming moments involving both Jane, Peter and the lost boys. Also, it was nice to see Jane follow in the tradition of other Disney heroines and have a strong character.

Also, The brief last scene involving Peter and a grown-up Wendy was touching in a way that it's live action counterpart Hook never was.

Overall, if you have kids, it's a fun mindlessly entertaining afternoon at the movie theater. Not nearly as good as the original, but still fun.

One thing I've noticed about most Disney sequels is that the storyline tends to be the opposite of the original. It's not different here. In the original "Peter Pan", Wendy has no intention of growing up too soon and instead goes to Never Land for a while, where she'll never grow up. But in "Return to Never Land", Wendy has grown up, gotten married and had kids of her own. Her son, Danny, who's still very young, is always intrigued by his mother's stories of Peter, but her older daughter Jane, who feels as though now her father's gone to war, she must protect her family, it means no more silly stories. And then the movie develops from there, when Jane is thought to be Wendy and is kidnapped by Captain Hook. Then, of course, Peter Pan meets her and then the story continues from there. Jane thinks she's really mature, and it's up to Peter and the Lost Boys to bring out her childish side again.

I think "Return to Never Land" is one of the better Disney sequels, as heaps of others have turned out to rip-offs of the original. If they thought this was going to be like the others, they would've released it straight to video. So, if you have to see a Disney sequel, then this is a pretty good one.

I bought this in a buy 1 get 1 free deal and just got round to watchimg it today, and to be honest - its not that bad.

Wendy has now grown up and World War 2 breaks out so to protct her children from the horror Wendy tells stories of Peter Pan.

Her oldest Jane stops believing in them until Captain Hook mistakes her for Wendy and kidnaps her.

For a sequel it isn't that bad and it better then Jungle Book 2. Its worth 1 watch at least

After 50 years you would think they could come up with a better sequel. One could come up with something better in 15 min. and do a much better job. Disney must be desperate to release this picture and at best this is a direct to video type of item, and is not suitable as a theatrical release. But fear not, your children will probably enjoy this "movie" however adults will be shocked at this trash that Disney has chosen to inflict upon the general public. What happened to all the truly talented people who work at Disney?? Obviously they were not involved with this film.

I found this movie quite enchanting. It captured the spirit of the original quite well, and a reference to the original story that wasn't in the first Disney that was thrown in had me clapping until my hands were sore... But it wasn't applause. (I'll say no more, I don't wish to spoil the movie for anyone else.) And Jane was a great contrast to Wendy. I would totally recommend this movie to anyone who loved the first.

Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust!!!

In a world besieged by the 2nd World War lives Wendy, now an adult, who tries to give her children hope for a better world by telling them the magical experiences she went through in Neverland, alongside Peter Pan. Among Wendy's children is 12-year-old Jane, who does not believe in such adventures. Until Captain Hook reappears, who kidnaps Jane and takes her to Neverland, intending to use her in his newest plan to capture Peter Pan. Tries to give his children hope for a better world by telling them about the magical experiences he went through in Neverland, alongside Peter Pan. Among Wendy's children is 12-year-old Jane, who does not believe in such adventures. Until Captain Hook reappears, who kidnaps Jane and takes her to Neverland, intending to use her in his newest plan to capture Peter Pan.

Cute, especially the introduction, when it represents Wendy's family (already adult and with two children) during the Blitz in London (a German bombing campaign against the United Kingdom in 1940 and 1941, during the Second World War)... Well cute, forever Peter Pan will remind me of Peter Pan Flying Dark Ride Disney toy... s2... Beautiful, enchanted, delicious...

"Every time a child says he doesn't believe in fairies, a little fairy drops dead somewhere"...

'Return to Never Land' isn't on the same level as the film it follows, but it is nevertheless good in its own right.

I like the direction they take the story, as we see Wendy all grown up during the era of The Blitz; my only 'but' would be about her brothers John and Michael, who we don't get an update on.

Harriet Owen voices Jane, Wendy's daughter, here and does a fine job. For some odd reason, all I could hear was Keira Knightley's voice when Owen spoke though. Blayne Weaver (Pan) and Corey Burton (Hook) are also involved, both give acceptable performances in those two roles.

Hook isn't as grand as he is in the original production, nor is the tick-tocking animal - this time an octopus. The Lost Boys, however, are little more memorable - especially Cubby who is voiced by Spencer Breslin, an actor I remember from 2003's 'The Cat in the Hat'.

It's a better film than I've previously given it credit for - a decent sequel.

This is a perfect example of why Walt Disney said very clearly "Don't let them make sequels to my movies." He didn't want Peter Pan 2, Snow White 2 and so on. The studio has made some great movies (Lion King, Little Mermaid), but has the creative well run dry? Aren't there thousands of wonderful fairy tales from around the world that could be done? This movie (short, like Tarzan and Jane short) felt more like an exploitation of a classic than a tribute to a timeless and charming film.

I went to see "Return to Neverland" as a curious adult who had seen the original "Peter Pan" when it was released in 1952. This movie was loyal in some aspects to the original with some nostalgic references. The modernization of the mood and some frightening twists distracted from the charm that could have been prevalent. "Peter Pan" was a special movie that stays with you through adulthood; "Return.." is okay, but probably will not stand out from the normal animated films of the past few years. Worth seeing for children and reminiscing adults

I figured since Disney would be releasing this film in theatres, it had to be pretty good. Unfortunately, this is not true. The quality of the animation is at best only T.V. quality, the exception being Tinkerbell's pixie dust, which looks pretty good. The story is rather weak and very brief. The film is barely more than an hour. Had it been direct to video, my expectations wouldn't have been so high. I really want to warn people not to spend their money on such a mediocre product. Disney, at one time, always represented quality without question. Today, they are nothing but a mass-marketing machine with xtreme advertising that is really better than the products themselves. This sequel is so poor, skip it even when it comes to DVD, unless you are sold on the classic cartoons that they include as a bonus. Disney will get you one way or another.

The narrated beginning let's one hope that Return to Never Land will be a great film, but that hope is shattered almost immediately, for the beginning of the film is very uninspired. The film drags on in mediocrity for the first half, but luckily in the end one gets a glimpse at the full potential that the Walt Disney Company has in their midst. The part of the film that actually takes place in Never Land easily exceeds the minutes passed before in charm and quality. But even that part is not top shelf. It is entertaining that part. It is, but there are not enough funny jokes, the music is not touching enough and the crocodile replacement is somewhat of a letdown. Despite all of these flaws, the charm of the second half of the film save this one from being a total letdown. Small children might enjoy this, but it surely won't mean much to an adult.

6,5 out of 10

post scriptum: I hope the animated department of Disney does not get infected with sequel-mania! For straight to video this might be OK, but I would not make a habit of releasing films like these in the cinema. Give a sequel your best shot, like you did with Toy Story 2!

All you need is faith, trust and pixie dust! This is a surprisingly pleasant sequel. The C.G. Tinkerbelle is not as ...delicate as I remember from the first, but she is still made well and is just as spunky! I think they did a very good job on this movie...so good of a job that I would not classify it with normal sequels. I think it will be on the shelf with the other classics. They still have the Tink that turns red when she's mad, and the lost boys haven't changed a bit. Peter is just as I remember him, and in all this they did a great job. And overall, I love this movie. The credits did surprise me. They reminded me of the last page in the Little Golden Books I read as a child. Very similar artistry...very similar lay out.

Also, I'd like to add that the music was actually not torture for me to listen to...which counts for a lot for my opinion of cartoons.

I would not miss taking my children to this movie. It's even a sweet date movie.

I think you will like it.

I came across this unexpectedly on the Disney Channel surfing through stations tonight and became interested when I saw how fine the artful animation was. In color, design and format, it matched the beauty of the original conception for Disney's original PETER PAN.

And it got off to an intriguing start with wartime London being the setting for the Darling household--at a time when Daddy is off to war and saying good-bye to his kids. Amusing to see Nana in an air-raid helmet while they trot off to a shelter during a bombing raid. And how true it was that soon after the nightly bombings began, children were hauled off on trains and separated from their parents for much of the war.

So far, so good. Then the pirate ship makes it through the skies and onto the roof over the children's nursery--a magical blend of CGI and great hand-drawn animation for this sequence--and eventually Jane (Wendy's non-believing daughter) is whisked off to Neverland where she meets Peter Pan under most unusual circumstances.

An explosion of comic scenes featuring Captain Hook (voiced brilliantly by Corey Burton) and his befuddled Mr. Smees and an octopus (just as funny as the old Crocodile) take center stage before we return to the adventures of Jane, Peter and The Lost Boys.

It's all stylishly done in bright color with fine attention to detail in all the layouts and settings. No complaints on this score.

But speaking of score, this is one area where the film falls dismally flat. The music. Modernized songs that sound as though leftovers from "The Lion King" (and not very good leftovers at that), were tossed into the mix. Most trying of all is a song called "I'll Try" sung, if that is the word, by Jonatha Brooke, so as to make the words utterly meaningless since they can't be understood without a caption feature.

None of the other songs have any distinction or charm whatsoever and there is even a poor rendition of "The Second Star to the Right" that is used as a throwaway in this version.

So, if you can tolerate a Disney film with the worst possible selection of songs, but otherwise up to par in animation and voice characterizations--and just a little below par in the storyline--you'll find some pleasant moments in this otherwise uninspired sequel.

And speaking of vocals, Blayne Weaver does a nice job on the Peter Pan voice--as do the animators which make him look strikingly like the original. Tinker Bell too, is beautifully rendered so that there is indeed some "faith, trust and pixie dust" whenever she is around, despite that worthless song called "I'll Try".

The end credits are another headache, working against the style of the film itself. For all these complaints, still worth catching.