 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Neverland
- Review Date: December 4, 2011
- NR
- Genre: Fantasy
- 2012
Common Sense Media says
Decent Peter Pan prequel has some fantasy violence, scares.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this live-action miniseries takes the Peter Pan stories, as retold in the famous Disney animated film, as its inspiration. However, the edges here are slightly harsher -- although the violence is swashbuckling fantasy, there are moments when characters are bloodlessly stabbed or killed. There is also some mild sexuality between two of the show's villainous leads. Although the series does tend toward overexplaining some of the more mysterious elements of the classic stories, older tweens and teens who enjoy fantasy films, books, and video games will probably appreciate the alternate take on these characters.
What's the story?
The backstory leading up to Peter Pan's great adventures is covered in NEVERLAND, a four-hour miniseries film. As the story begins, Peter is a young street urchin under the tutelage of James Hook (Rhys Ifans), a well-known thief with a soft spot for helping orphans. Meanwhile, 100 years in the past, a pirate crew sails the seven seas under the command of Captain Elizabeth Bonny (Anna Friel). These disconnected figures find themselves mystically transported to the realm known as "Neverland," where circumstances slowly drive them into the familiar roles established by the original Peter Pan stories.
Is it any good?
The big question with any prequel has to be this: What's the point? If there's no good reason to learn more about the unexplored pasts of these characters and this story, then why are we even bothering?
Syfy's miniseries Neverland doesn't end up having much of a point, but the cribbed elements from other popular fantasy TV series, movies, and books are mixed together in an entertaining way, which makes the enterprise definitely watchable. It's somewhat like Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films filtered through the familiar tropes of Peter Pan. It's not as though anyone ever really wondered what was beneath the brooding brow of Captain James Hook, but if nothing else, Rhys Ifans and the writing here give us some impulse to be curious. Full of decent action and a sense of familiar discovery as well-known characters (Tiger Lily, the Lost Boys, Smee) each take their stroll across the stage, Neverland doesn't hold a candle to the classic interpretations of the original Peter Pan story, but that doesn't mean it fails to entertain.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the show's fantasy violence. Was it appropriate as part of the story being told?
Did you recognize all the elements of the Peter Pan story? What was missing? Did you like this interpretation?
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AGE
This was good
Well, I maust say, I'm very impressed by this one. Usually made for sci-fi series and movies are forgettable at best, but this one wasn't. Here are some of the things you should look out for.
The worst it gets romance wise is when Peter look though a window to see Jimmy lying on a bed and Bonny's bare back. You know and it's implied of what they did. Also, there is a spawning relationship between Tigerlily and Peter through both of the episodes. There is one scene where it is implied that Peter is naked, but you don't see anything.
Violence wise, there isn't much to go for either. The very worst is when Peter cut's off Hooks hand, there is no blood. There is also a part where Peter is stabbed by Bonny, this is where the first episode ends so you are forced to wonder until the next episode airs if he's ok.
This was indeed one good show. I hope they make more.
Though, it does leave some questions unanswered at the end.
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AGE
Good for older kids and adults
I thought it was great for kids who like Harry Potter or other fantasy books.
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AGE
MUST WATCH!
IT WAS AWESOME! i really really enjoyed it there is one scene with bonnie and jimmy that is rather inappropriate, but very brief.
peter is so perfect and i would definitely watch again
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AGE
Worth the watch.
It is a good show, although not perfect. I consider myself as a Peter Pan expert and he shouldn't have his memory at the end. When Peter lost his memory in the second episode, to me, that explained a lot. But he got his memory back which isn't right. Peter Pan is the person who can never really remember so in a way that is a disapointment. Plus, I thought Peter would be there for twenty years or something since he has a sibling that replaced him and grew to be at least twenty while Peter was still a kid. But I have to say, the show was well put together.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Studio: | Vivendi |
| Director: | Nick Willing |
| Cast: | Anna Friel, Keira Knightley, Rhys Ifans |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Run time: | 169 minutes |
| DVD release date: | March 13, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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