Return to Neverland - G\nFeaturing: Blayne Weaver and Corey Burton\nDirected by: Robin Budd, Donovan Cook\nShowing: Showplace East 11\nSecond star to the right…and 90 minutes later, the adventure of this new animated feature comes to a disappointing end. "Return to Neverland" begins with warm and fuzzy images of the first "Peter Pan," from a time when Disney's films were much more fanciful. \nAlthough both movies play out the battle of free spirits and harsh authority (children to adults), this sequel to a classic takes a much darker and duller turn. Instead of home being a wonderful place, the audience hopes the children will be saved, as the young character Daniel quivers, "I don't like planes and bombs."\nThe story picks up with Wendy, now a mother, sending her husband off to war. (The first 15 minutes show solider helmets, fighter planes and bomb shelters.) As if this isn't enough to scare the kiddies, she must prepare to send away her two children. \nHowever, the infamous Hook intervenes, capturing Wendy's daughter, Jane, as bait for none other than Peter Pan. Discovering Neverland really exists, Jane's adventures spring to life. In a needlessly confusing plot, different characters team up -- the outcome becomes drawn-out and attaches unnecessary fight scenes. \nAll the characters remain the same, from tiny Tinker Bell to massive Mr. Smee. Even the daring Peter Pan keeps his ego intact, saying, "She's just jealous. All girls get like that around me." Despite using the same drawing techniques, these characters have kept little of their original charm and appeal.\nThe only fresh face is a goofy squid that provides much of the comic relief. His behavior is delightfully silly and should have been used more. Jane's character transforms from serious to slaphappy. She of course learns how to tell stories, and will always pine away for Peter, just like her mother. \nPerhaps the biggest disappointment resonates in the music. The original contained such happy songs as "Following the Leader." But a contemporary feel is present in "Return to Neverland," with yet another nasal pop singer. The major song brags about a girl's ability to take care of herself and not to cry. \nThe magic still enchants Neverland, with gravity-defying water and giant mushrooms. These wondrous moments allow the Lost Boys to profess, "We dream all day so we can play at night." Their games are still the same, showing their resistance to responsibility. "We throw things around to see what makes a sound," they say.\nAt the very best, "Return to Neverland" is just that -- a reminder of the fantastic original. Although little has changed, the lack of an enticing story line and fun, childish humor creates a boring cartoon. If the creators hope to replicate the classic, they will need more than "Faith, trust and a little pixie dust."\n
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