OK, so while I'm going to try and recommend a book every Sunday this Sunday I'm going to do something different and recommend a movie based on a literary work. If you think it's the kind of thing you might enjoy, I recommend last year's film version of Peter Pan (starring Jason Isaacs as Captain Hook). This is a story I've never enjoyed seeing adaptations of. Most are blindly sentimental and take out a lot of the real tensions that are at the heart of the tale. This film version though is different. It really captures the tone of the story beautifully -- the adventure and the magic of course, but also the tensions, loss and longing (while retaing a somewhat carefree spirit that befits the film's humor). The sets and design are beautiful and rich and extravagant. The acting is quite good. And I quite enjoyed the way they constructed the character of Captain Hook in this retelling. If you're in the mood for a family film, this one's worth checking out.
Oh, if you do rent this I urge you to skip the deleted scenes, especially the alternate ending. The other ending they shot for it -- well, awful is such a strong word, but it seems fitting. Don't mess with the magic of this version by seeing what they fortunately chose not to put in its place.
Posted by armand at May 23, 2004 02:38 PM | TrackBack | Posted to Movies