Movie Review For October 9, 2015: PAN

PAN
Rated: PG
Release Date: October 9, 2015
Director: Joe Wright
Stars: Levi Miller, Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Rooney Mara
Plot: A young orphan finds himself leading a battle against pirates in a strange land as he searches for his mother
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters

I was nervous going into this film because the studio moved the release date a few times, and that is rarely a good sign for a movie. I'm still not sure why they changed the release date, but it was worth the wait. This film is a spectacular sight that will captivate and mesmerize your entire family.

This is a prequel to the Peter Pan story, but it honors well the story that we all know. It even feels like the Director wanted to pay homage to HOOK with some of the sets and the overall look of Neverland.

This film is also one of the first to use 3D to the full effect by adding in a black bar at the top and bottom of the screen and having the action spill over that. It makes the movie come to life even more than your typical 3D film.

The acting, for the most part, is outstanding. (Garrett Hedlund is the weak link here). And the film is highly entertaining and action-packed throughout. Some of the action may be a bit too intense for the under-five crowd, but I think most kids will enjoy this film.

Although this movie is really good, it isn't really award-worthy, except in a few of the technical areas. It wouldn't surprise me if we see PAN up for a costume Oscar.

Hopefully, this is not the last we see of this franchise. There are a lot of story lines that would make for an interesting sequel, not the least of which is the falling out between Peter and Hook. Personally, I can't wait for PAN 2.