Wendy

Watch the official trailer for Wendy here.

Searchlight Pictures
Directed by: Benh Zeitlin
Screenplay by: Benh & Eliza Zeitlin
Stars: Yashua Mack, Devin France & Gage Naquin
Rated PG-13 

     I'm sure most of you are familiar with the story of Peter Pan, the little boy that never grew up. I don't recall seeing it as a child, but I know that's the gist of it.  I also read once that the reason Peter Pan & all of the other children never grew up is because they were dead! Morbid, I know. I wish I knew who had that theory because it remains with me to this day & stuck in my head through this movie.

     In Wendy, Peter Pan is present, so is Captain Hook & the Lost Boys. Beyond that, don't expect too much familiarity. Don't expect too much fun, either. I went into this expecting sort of a lighthearted & fun film. Boy was I wrong! This is one time where the trailer & movie are vastly different. Every scene in the trailer IS in the movie but it's what happens around each scene that changes the context of what you see in the trailer. Remember, things aren't always what they seem.

     I review movies like I'm talking to a friend. I don't delve into camera angles or assess how the lighting played off the harsh features of someone's face. I'd rather tell you how a movie made me feel because that's how I'd talk to a friend. Well, my friend, this movie depressed the hell out of me. It's almost 2 hours long, I snickered 1 time at a line that I don't even remember right now & I don't think it was even meant to be funny. I just have a dry sense of humor.

     Peter Pan is played by a Rastafarian boy named Yahsua Mack & he's just as cute as he can be! I know my hearing is shot because I wear ear buds when I'm on the air, & I've done radio for 25 years now, but I think subtitles could have benefited him a couple of times because of his accent. This is his first movie. Wendy played by Devin France is a newcomer to the acting game. This is her first film; too & I don't know of her working on anything else. From what I could assess, the children in the film are all first-time actors & the director prefers it that way.

     The message the movie left me with is that it's ok to grow up & you have to love your mother. Really, that's what I got out of it. Now, based on what I've told you I want you to go back & watch the trailer. If you watched it already, watch it again. If you haven't seen it yet, watch it with what you've just read in the back of your mind. As always, I leave your viewing decisions up to you. These reviews are just my opinions. I honestly can't say if I liked it or not. This is a movie that just left me flat. I'd love to know what you thought of it if/when you do see it. Make sure you subscribe to my blog, too. You never know what I'll review next.