The tale of Peter Pan has been told and retold so many times in multiple forms, whether it’s in books, theater, TV, or movies, that it is one of the most familiar in all of storytelling. In addition to the classic 1953 Disney animated film, there have been numerous live action adaptations, although – until now – not one done by Disney itself.
That changes with Peter Pan & Wendy, making its debut on Disney+, a film that uses the familiar to expand the story in a host of ways. As the film begins, Wendy (Ever Anderson) is getting ready to go off to boarding school, pretend playing what she and her brothers, John (Joshua Pickering) and Michael (Jacobi Jupe), believe is the fictional story of Peter Pan and Captain Hook. Their minds are blown when not only do Tinker Bell (Yara Shahadi) and Peter Pan (Alexander Molony) actually show up, but then also whisk them away to Neverland.
Once there, they encounter Captain Hook (Jude Law), Smee (Jim Gaffigan), and their crew of pirates; a diverse group of Lost Boys (and girls); and Tiger Lily (Alyssa Wapanatâhk), an indigenous girl who often comes to the aid of Peter and the Lost Boys. All involved go through a series of adventures in Neverland, with more than a few surprises along the way.
Written and directed by David Lowery (Pete’s Dragon), with help from co-writer Toby Halbrooks, the film touches on many of the recognizable elements of the original animated film, but does so in a way where the reverence is not the point. Lowery and his team insert details like John’s ever-present top hat, a hint of the music from “You Can Fly…” when Wendy flies for the first time, and the gigantic crocodile that torments Captain Hook, but each of these and more serve only as reminders what’s been seen before instead of being the focus of the film.
What truly makes the film sing is letting Wendy take the lead. No shrinking violet who’s merely in awe of Peter Pan and everything in Neverland, this Wendy challenges the cocky Peter and has a maturity that allows her to be both in control at almost all times and empathetic to everyone around her. In a similar vein, Tiger Lily goes from a non-speaking role to a strong character who speaks in Wapanatâhk’s native Cree language and plays the hero more than once. Giving Wendy and Tiger Lily more to do makes the story even more adventurous than it already was.
The film as a whole is remarkably inclusive, but done in such a way that feels completely natural. As mentioned, the Lost Boys also includes a few girls, as well as a boy with Down syndrome, but each of them is highlighted without making a big deal of their presence, making them simply part of the group. The pirate crew, while mostly anonymous, also has a nice multicultural blend to it.
Lowery also makes a point to go beyond the “good/bad” dynamic between Peter and Hook. They are antagonistic toward each other, to be sure, but their relationship is given a backstory that not only explains their enmity, but also gives it an unexpectedly emotional bent. Lowery plays both sides of the fence well, delivering the fun of Peter and Hook facing off while also allowing both characters to be three-dimensional characters.
The way Anderson commands the film, they probably should have named it Wendy & Peter Pan. The young actor announces herself in a big way here, and should she want it, you’re likely to see much more of her in the coming years. Molony is a serviceable Pan, although he’s not quite as dynamic as previous actors in the role. Law makes for an outstanding Hook, especially given the new demands on the performance. And Wapanatâhk does a lot with a relatively small amount of screen time.
Given the proliferation of Peter Pan adaptations through the years, you may not think you need to see another version. However, Peter Pan & Wendy bucks the trend of bad live action updates of Disney’s animated films, sprinkling just the right amount of fairy dust on the story to make it feel new again.
Photo courtesy of Disney
Alexander Molony, Ever Anderson, Joshua Pickering, and Jacobi Jupe in Peter Pan & Wendy.
The Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco will be shining bright on December 1.
Dallas homes and neighborhoods sparkle and shine through the holidays, with dazzling coordinated displays, choreographed shows, and Christmas lights so merry and bright that Santa can see them from the North Pole.
Below is a roundup of the best neighborhoods and homes for a holiday-light pilgrimage in 2024. Many of them are plugging in Thanksgiving weekend; check back often, as the list will grow and grow as the season goes on.
For a longer list of marvelous Christmas lights around Dallas - including drive-thru attractions, immersive experiences, commercial displays and more, head to this story.
Neighborhoods and subdivisions with special displays
Deerfield Holiday Lights, Plano, December 1-30 The Deerfield subdivision of northwest Plano hosts a magical winter wonderland you can walk or drive through. You can even book carriage rides in advance to see dancing Santas, millions of twinkling lights, and larger-than-life displays. Deerfield is located between Preston Road and Coit Road. Check the website for maps and important information about traffic flow and parking. The free event runs 7 pm-10 pm on weekdays and 7 pm-11 pm on weekends.
Interlochen Lights, Arlington, December 14-26 The Interlochen neighborhood in northwest Arlington annually presents Interlochen Lights, more than 200 homes decked out in lights and holiday-themed displays. The event allows guests to drive through the neighborhood and pick out favorite displays while they tune into holiday music in the car. The route map is here. This year, the lights will be on from 6-11 pm December 14-26; free to drive through. Watch for updates on their website and Facebook page.
Glenbrook Christmas, Bedford, December 1-31 The Bedford neighborhood lights up nightly to tell the story of “The Night Before Christmas - In Texas That Is” - along with other festive displays. The entrance to Glenbrook is on Brookside Drive located between Cummings and Forest Ridge. The displays will be on daily, 6-10 pm. Follow the Facebook page for updates.
Regents Park Luminary Event, McKinney, December 14-15 Residents of this Stonebridge Ranch neighborhood hand fold over 2,500 paper bags each year and line the streets and central park area with luminaries for families to enjoy. Grab a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider and drive or walk through streets lined with traditional luminaries and enjoy the Christmas lights that adorn the Craftsman-style homes. For updates, follow the Facebook page (highly recommended as this is a weather dependent event). Runs December 14-15 only.
Homes with over-the-top lights
Miracle on 134th Street, Celina, November 23-December 23 A Celina family has turned their massive property into a holiday amusement park, complete with over 1 million lights, a train, carousel ride, Santa's workshop, Mrs. Claus’ bakery, and much more. Tickets start at $26.99 for adults; $20.99 for kids 3-12, with season passes available and free on-site parking. It runs 5:30-9 pm through December 23. Find it at 10455 County Road 133, Celina, 75009. Follow theFacebook page for updates on special photo ops and more. Here's a preview:
Burkman Holiday Home, Frisco, starts December 1 An alumni of ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight, the Burkmans’ home is one of the most famous Christmas-light attractions in the area. It features nearly 115,000 lights, animatronic figures, special “character” photo nights, and more. They also collect new/unwrapped toys for the The LiyanaStrong Foundation and charitable donations for a scholarship fund. Open nightly beginning December 1, but closed the first two Mondays in December and for inclement weather. Check the Facebook page for updates.
The Movie House, Allen, November 28-January 1 This Allen family home turns into a theater, showing highlights from favorite holiday classics like Christmas Vacation, Elf, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, Love Actually, Die Hard and more - all set to music and over 10,000 lights. Guests can also snap a pic in front of a 6-foot star that makes everyone part of the action. The 15-minute show starts on the quarter hour every night from 6-11 pm and runs Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.. 1600 Wagon Wheel Dr., Allen. Preview it here:
Tell Family Lights, Keller, November 28-December 31 The family in this home near Keller Central High School is bigger and better than ever, they say. The choreographed light show features 60 songs, and visitors can now download an app on their phones to listen to the show (or tune in to FM radio in the car). Then vote on a favorite song. (Make sure to not block anyone’s driveway and be careful driving down the street, they advise.) The show runs is on 6-10 pm daily starting Thanksgiving night. Find it at 5016 Keating St., Fort Worth, 76244. Follow their website or Facebook page for more information and updates.
'The Gift of Light' display at Joules-Cornetti home, McKinney, November 28-January 1 This wonderland in McKinney has a little bit of everything: dazzling lights, inflatables, wireframe items, yard art, an entire section devoted to nativities, plus Santas and reindeer, polar bears and penguins, Disney characters, and new for this year - a Buc-cee's inflatable mascot. The "gift" is that they raise money for the American Heart Association, and the story behind their effort is very personal. The lights go on 5-11 pm Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. Find it at 8624 Palermo Way, McKinney.
‘Stay in the Light’ display at Hughes Home, Rockwall, December 1-25 Homeowners Brenda and David Hughes have strung more than 100,000 lights outside their home in a festive display. They call it "Stay in the Light" in memory of their son, Nathaniel, who suffered from depression and passed away in 2019 at the age of 29. The couple is accepting donations for Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County plus blankets, socks, and toys to a local children’s hospital. The lights are on nightly, 6-10 pm. 1655 Plummer Dr., Rockwall, in The Shores neighborhood.
Wisdom Way Lights, Haltom City, November 28-January 1 The Gonzalez family's past choreographed light shows have gone viral for their Selena and Texas Rangers World Series themes. The 2024 presentation will consist of three new shows: Deadpool Wolverine, Bluey, and Wicked. They're also bringing back last year's hit Mario show. Visitors can view the shows from from their cars and listen on radio channel 89.7 FM. Wisdom Way Lights runs nightly from 6-midnight. Find it at 4521 Wisdom Way, Haltom City, and follow Wisdom Way Lights on Facebook and YouTube for show schedule and updates.
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The Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco will be shining bright on December 1.
Neighborhoods with pretty lights
The Park Cities The stately homes in the Park Cities neighborhoods of Dallas dress up with beautiful light displays; pick just about any street where you see houses lit top to bottom in twinkling lights, and there are bound to be a dozen more. Don’t miss Highland Park Village and its 1.5 million lights, and be sure to drive down SMU’s Bishop Boulevard, toward the fountain and back. The annual SMU Celebration of Lights takes place Sunday, December 2.
Kessler Park Historic Kessler Park features twinkling holiday lights on grand old homes and majestic trees against a backdrop of the Dallas skyline. The holiday decorations are coordinated on various traffic islands in the neighborhood each year. From downtown Dallas, go west on Interstate 30. Take the Sylvan exit, turn south on Sylvan, drive about a half a mile, and turn west on Colorado.
Elderoaks Lights, Oak Cliff A Dallas tradition more than 30 years strong, Elderoaks sees 96 percent of its homes participate in an impressive display. Located along three streets just south of the old Oak Cliff Country Club (Elderoaks Lane, Elderleaf Drive, and Elderoaks Place), the neighborhood scenes celebrate Christmas with homemade decorations that span medieval times to present day. Don't miss the streaming show of Christmas carols. There's no fee to watch, and lights go on at dusk each night.
Know of another spectacular lights display in DFW? Email stephanie@culturemap.com. Please include a website or link to social media page with your recommendation.
