What do you get when you add about $2,000,000 more to a Disney Sequel's budget and put it out in theaters? Nothing too bad, but nothing to brag about. As a sequel to a film that I couldn't put into the Top 20 List, Return to Neverland at least makes an attempt to match the first film in things. But the film flops miserably due to it's overuse of elements from the first movie, underdeveloped emotional connections between characters, and an overly foppish Captain Hook (If it's at all possible). And yet, the film does better at trying to bring something new to a classic Disney film than any of the direct to video films made around the same time.Plot: An adult Wendy (who apparently kicked her mother, father, and brothers out of their house in London) is raising a family of her own. But as the Germans threaten Britain with war, not only is the father forced to leave for the front lines, but her children Jane and Danny are being forced to evacuate to the countryside. Jane, who grew past the stories of Peter Pan and Neverland, is quick to lash out when her mother tells her what is going on.
That night, Jane is kidnapped by Captain Hook and the Pirates (who mistake her for Wendy), and is shanghaied to Neverland to be used as bait for Trap # 36,853 for Peter. Naturally, Peter rescues her, but Jane refuses to believe in it and searches for ways to get home, even making Tinker Bell's light start to go out. It isn't until Hook tricks Jane into recovering his treasure in exchange for passage back to London, that Jane realizes that she has grown to care for both Peter and the Lost Boys. But Hook captures Peter and his boys, leaving Jane and a weakened Tinker Bell to stop him however they can.
What's Wrong?: It's okay to draw on the original film for some elements, but this film goes well past the mark of acceptance. The film got rid of the Crocodile, but added in an octopus that pops? WHAT?
Another thing that bugs me about this movie is the lack of people showing emotion. Other than Jane, we are forced to sit through overly happy, or overly dramatic moments between everyone else, from Wendy to Peter. Peter takes the biggest hit, not developing his character at all from the first film. I know he's just a kid, but c'mon.
As for James Hook, he also suffers. In what could have been a much more menacing role, Hook resorts to his old bag of tricks and tricks these idiots into doing more of his crap. That may be the fault of Peter, but Hook needs to take some blame.
What's Good?: I do like the issues the film addresses. It addresses more about faith than growing up. Jane has given up on having a childhood, but is still happy to go around Neverland and see the things as her mother had described them. And it actually has the main lead learn something, as opposed to Wendy who just got jealous and needy of Peter in the first movie.
Overall: While this is one of two Disney Sequels to earn a theatrical release (I'M NOT DOING THE OTHER WINNIE THE POOH MOVIES), it didn't deserve it. It isn't particularly bad, but it doesn't really offer anything special. Overall, it's blah.
Report Card:
Hero: C-
Heroine: B
Villain: C-
Side Characters: F
Songs: F
Musical Score: D
Animation: B
Story: D-
Themes: B
Does this film hold up to the original?: Close, but no cigar
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