Pan, a take off of the classic Peter Pan, was a prequel that was released on 9 Oct., 2015. Starring Hugh Jackman as Captain Blackbeard, Levi Miller as Peter, and Garrett Hedland as Captain Hook in this CGI thriller, the movie takes place during WW2 at an orphanage where orphans are disappearing randomly, or are they? Soon Peter himself disappears, captured and stolen away on a pirate ship after discovering his mother’s note. He swiftly arrives to the magical and surreal land of Neverland. It is here that he meets the powerful Captain Blackbeard and begins the search to uncover the truth about his past to soar ahead into the future.

In this particular edition, Hook was not a captain yet, but instead was under the tyrant Blackbeard with fellow miners digging for fairy dust. When Peter comes to Neverland, the plot unhinges upon discovering this boy who could be the key to his demise. Peter begins his journey through the jungles of Neverland with Hook by his side and discovers both danger and fun, ultimately discovering his self identity to expose

This movie was packed with adventure through the creative use of effects and portrayal of character. The world of Neverland captures the viewer’s imagination. Peter (Miller) was mischievous, curious, and resourceful, a challenge for the mighty Blackbeard.

One thing that at first threw me off with this movie was one of the opening songs by Nirvana. I thought at first it would be like Queen’s song in “A Knight’s Tale” starring Heath Ledger. However, the music greatly contributed to the aggressive blood pumping tone of the movie, and revealed the attitudes of Blackbeard and the miners. The plot set up the scenario for the original Peter Pan and gives a background for how Hook becomes Captain Hook, also giving reason to why he is afraid of the crocodile, however, it only vaguely gives insight into how Hook and Peter become enemies. As a prequel, it gave a history to Peter Pan, the boy who would never grow up in Neverland, where childhood is forever.

Be prepared to be whisked off into the world of Neverland and discover its secrets on Peter’s journey!