tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5759137971748822612.post717737293176818839..comments2024-03-09T16:26:15.033-06:00Comments on Waking Snow White: “I’m a Codfish!!!”Breannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03231587539814108744noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5759137971748822612.post-64301956081191431442011-07-02T18:14:59.124-05:002011-07-02T18:14:59.124-05:00Mr. Disney had it right when he called Peter out a...Mr. Disney had it right when he called Peter out as a rather unlikeable figure, but it stands as a testimony to the skill of his writers and animators that his Peter Pan is also a very realistic depiction of a preadolescent boy.<br /><br />Now, I am no boy, but I grew up with two brothers and loads of cousins ad work with kids, so I see a lot of interactions between kids. And yes, many boys do go through that awkward stage where they're starting to show some interest in girls, but can't resist blowing their chances with teasing, showing off and basically acting like tools. Appealing? No, not really. But realistic? Oh, yes.<br /><br />I always found it interesting how Mr. Darling and Captain Hook are traditionally portrayed by the same actor. After all, Mr. Darling is the story's first 'antagonist'. He has no patience for his children's silly games and insists that Wendy grow up and start acting more adult. He represents everythig kids fear about growing up--losing your imagination, your passion, your sense of fun. So when the action relocates to Neverland, who's there echoing these fun-squashing, Pan-hating views? None other than Captain Hook. He gives Peter and the Lost Boys good reason to fear growing up. In Neverland, there are astonishigly few adult role models. Sure, there's the Chief, Tiger Lily's dad, but it seems like Neverland's Indians asically keep to themselves. The mermaids are a bunch of giggly, flirtatious teenage girls and the only other adults on the island are pirates (as noted by the Lost Boys in 'Hook': "All grown-ups are pirates.") It is only when Wendy decides that she doesn't really want to turn out like Peter, an emotionally-stunted perpetual child, that she realizes that the world isn't divided into Lost Boys (and Girls) and pirates. <br /><br />All that being said, I think there's a lot of good in this movie. Tink is absolutely adorable and has a lot of good qualities that make up for her tendency to be so easily consumed with envy. The Darling family's interactions with each other are a joy to watch. My all-time favorite part is when Dad trips over Nana as she's tidying the nursery. His wife and kids all let out a prolonged "Oh!" and, despite the fact that he's sprawled in an undignified heap o the floor, he smiles in anticipation of being the recipient of their sympathy; they all rush to the dog's side, cooing "Poor Nana!" "Poor Nana?" he asks in bewildered rage, "What about poor Father?" It gets me every time.La Belle Evangelinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14653512250386404065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5759137971748822612.post-19147750358535845882010-11-09T16:35:28.005-06:002010-11-09T16:35:28.005-06:00Now for the male perspective. I love Peter Pan. I ...Now for the male perspective. I love Peter Pan. I know he comes off as something of a jerk, but it's classic boy stuff. He hasn't spent time with any girls except Tink and the mermaids. He's just in his own little world. He doesn't MEAN to be bossy and mean. I love that this is one of the few Disney films that's a real "boy movie". Especially now when they really exploit the princess line and all, this is a film for boys to enjoy. There are fights and a lot of fun gags. I think the movie does a good job playing the battle of the sexes without being obvious about it (something the awful sequel failed at on every level).<br /><br />I love Bobby Driscoll's performance as Peter. I'm not convinced he was the very first male Pan (I seem to have read there were a few over the years), but it certainly did throw out standard convention. That performance is just perfect. I too like Wendy's hair a lot.<br /><br />You didn't mention anything about the Indians. I know it seems really politically incorrect now, but that's sort of a product of its time. Funny how Disney gets all up in arms about Song of the South, but has never given two thoughts about "What Makes the Red Man Red". While they are played for comedy, I'd like to point out two reasons they are not offensive. 1) they aren't real native Americans because they live on a star. 2) If you watch it again, they are designed specifically as mirrors of the Lost Boys. There are the same number of them, and they have similar variations in size. Just as the Lost Boys are ridiculous in their own way, so are the Indians.<br /><br />I like Tink a lot. She's great in this movie. But I don't think she's the best part of the film. There's a lot of good with her character. And I really love that moving bit after the bomb goes off where instead of doing the theatrical hand-clapping, Peter has that monologue about how much she means to him. In fact Tink is maybe the only thing that Return to Never-Land got right. Having said that, I'm growing tired of the oversaturation of her character in everything. I hate that she's been redesigned some, and I DESPISE the Disney Fairies line. I hate everything about it. It takes a wonderful creation of J.M. Barrie and turns it into a cheap way to make a buck.<br /><br />Finally, let's not forget Tiger Lilly. Isn't she hot? Peter Pan is a movie for boys, I guess. And in the Disney canon, those are really few and far between. There's lots of good stuff at work here. Sometimes I feel like the ridiculous side of Hook doesn't quite gel with his conniving side. And if you like continuity errors, watch Peter's scabbard during any sword fight; it disappears and reappears frequently. But there's a special place in my heart for Peter Pan. Why must we always "stop pretending and be practical"?jon TKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04738915806502002447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5759137971748822612.post-26356065574022997662010-11-09T15:29:51.670-06:002010-11-09T15:29:51.670-06:00Okay, I don't even know where to begin with th...Okay, I don't even know where to begin with this one....hmm..... Okay, so I never knew that Walt wasn't a fan of this one. But I gotta agree, don't ya just want to smack Peter a little bit?<br /><br />However, he's got a few redeeming qualities, I feel. He might be a bit of a jerk, but you can tell he likes Wendy. He does laugh when the mermaids bully her, however I'm pretty sure if they actually managed to be successful in almost drowning her that would have changed. I still see little bits of him that seem very protective.<br /><br />And I was really hoping you'd mention Peter Pan from 2003. I love it so much! It's an excellent rendition and the soundtrack is indeed gorgeous and inspiring. Jeremy Sumpter was such an adorable Peter and much more likable. <br /><br />However, both versions of the movie leave a very bittersweet taste in my mouth. I always wanted Peter to grow up and stay with Wendy. I guess I always want my definite happy ending.<br /><br />But of course, no matter what, Disney's version gave us the best thing ever....TINKER BELL!! Which thanks for the shout out! At five years old I stood outside of the castle and watched her soar across the night sky. That was it. She became my favorite for life. Back then there wasn't many merchandise with her on it and now she's everywhere. I'm almost jealous of all the little girls that can get things with her on them.<br /><br />As I've gotten older, I've found so much more to like about her. She's pretty, spunky, and clever all rolled up into one. Plus she's very loyal to Peter.<br /><br />Captain Hook was one of those villains that you can't help but love. Even though he's evil, his fear of the crocodile and desperate cries of "SMEEEE!!!" make him so easy to laugh at. <br /><br />So even though there are some things about Peter Pan that just don't sit well with me, it gave Disney some serious magic that will be enjoyed throughout the ages.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com