Wendy movie review

MOVIE TITLE: WENDY

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour, 52 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

This beautiful film has rich detail and emotion as a re-imagining of the timeless tale of Peter Pan and his relationship with Wendy. Directed by Benh Zeitlin, the movie feels real and charming at the same time. While the film is mesmerizing to look at, the story is a bit messy and even boring at times. It is both sad and hopeful as it reminds us to look for the magic in our lives. The theme of the movie is growing up and, ironically, it took 7 years to make the movie.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Some profanity uttered by kids.
As a parent, you’ll want to talk to your kids about NOT just taking off on an adventure without you!
A boy gets his hand chopped off and you see some blood and a stump. Ick.
Talk of farts (of course, since there are kids in the movie).
Some kids (and adults) will be bored.
There is a lot of talk about mothers. If you’re a mom, use this opportunity to remind your kids how much you love them.

THEMES:

The joy of childhood and the pain of growing up
Time
Making your dreams come true
As long as you retain your sense of wonder, you will never grow up.
Losing yourself
“You can’t lose hope. That’s what’s making you old.” – Wendy (Devin France)
“You have to use your imagination.” – Wendy (Devin France)
Life is an adventure.
There is magic everywhere.

THINGS I LIKED:

The movie was filmed in Montserrat, an island south of Antigua. They had a terrible volcanic eruption there in recent years, so the majority of the people who lived there left. I heard that the shooting location was actually quite dangerous, so only essential crew were allowed to go there. Because there wasn’t any electric power for large lighting set-ups, 16mm film was used.
The child actors offer fresh faces to Hollywood and were all totally adorable. The director had to teach them how to act and even how to swim.
The metaphor of a train is perfect to illustrate the ride we take on our lives from childhood to adulthood.
The strange sounds throughout the film made you feel like you really were in some adventureland.
I would have loved to hang out in that Neverland when I was a kid. Well, probably for just a couple of days.
There is a creative, new take on Captain Hook and the pirates.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

As a mother, I was worried about these child actors in dangerous situations the entire time! I also really wanted to give those kids a bath. ha ha
A lot of scenes are super dark at nighttime, which will make it hard to see what’s going on if you watch this on small monitors and devices once the movie goes to streaming.
There’s definitely a Lord of the Flies element to this telling.
There isn’t much humor. It feels more like a serious drama than a fun, lighthearted family flick.

INTERESTING LINES:

“The more you grow up, the less things you get to do that you wanna.” – boy
“What’s your stop?” – kid “This is an adventure. There are no stops!” – kid
“Never slow down.” – Wendy
“When sad thoughts come to your mind, let them whiz out the other ear and be gone.” – Wendy
“The only reason you know you’re old is cuz no one will talk to you no more.” – Buzzo
“A mother will always come for her children.” – James (Gavin Naquin)
“When you’re a child, they don’t tell you everyone you love can disappear and you’ll never get them back. Take care of your tribe.” – Wendy

ANOTHER MOVIE BY BEN ZEITLIN YOU’LL LIKE IF YOU ENJOY WENDY:

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OTHER MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

Critics have been comparing this film to those by director Terrence Malick. Check out:

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