Review: 'Pan' is no 'Harry Potter'

Photo from Warner Bros. Pictures

If you think the trailer is not enticing enough for you to see Pan, you could say the same thing about the movie itself. People who have seen this reimagining of a classic tale know that comparing this to the studios' successful Harry Potter franchise reeks desperation.

The filmmakers behind Pan seem to have apprehensions when dealing with the concept of death. While a number of successful movies - mostly animated ones - targeting general audiences are not subtle in showing mortality, Pan tends to be scared to show it. Colorful puffs of smokes and a kid falling off-screen are steps backward in respecting the intelligence of children watching the movie. The problem starts when it dumbs down the material for audiences regardless of age.

There are a lot of things that do not make sense. Why establish the setting during World War II, only to be welcomed in Neverland by a 90s rock song? Why does Blackbeard need to be immortal? There's no strong motivation for the character in the movie.

Again, Pan brings back movie making to the stone age by not being true to the characters' races. Tiger Lily is a Native American Indian. Pan could have been a step for children to embrace diversity but it is apparent that it does not contribute in any way to advance filmmaking.

All in all, Pan is not the franchise we want to see. But at least, he would remain a boy, and not grow up, as the film wants him to be.

Pan is now showing in the Philippines.

Rating: 2/5