It was one of Walt Disney's most cherished passion projects during his time at the studio. It's often regarded as the most beloved as the most loved version of J.M. Barrie's original play. It's also somewhat creepy, mildly racist, and as problematic as it is beloved.
Walt Disney's adaptation of Peter Pan was without a doubt one of the man's most successful projects, nobody's questioning that. But in 2020, there are a lot of problems with the famous fairytale flick that would never fly today, despite the vast quantities of pixie dust. Even with all of it's flaws and sparkly exterior, is Disney's Peter Pan still magical?
Dated: Peter’s Creep Factor
Does the following description sound more like a beloved Disney character or a predator the FBI would grill on the 10:00 news? A guy dressed in tight attire waits for the children's parents to leave for a party, sneaks in through the upstairs window, and lures them away from home without being seen.
Isn't this just the least bit suspicious? Especially when he's creeping up above the streets. At least he wins viewers over.
Timeless: That Opening
Disney films always have to start with a high note, but audiences know they're in for a good time when even the title cards are engaging.
The artwork, appropriately, is like something out of a storybook, and the film's resounding theme is one that all Disney fans will know from the first few notes. "The Second Star to the Right" paired with the painted stills, some done by Disney Legend Mary Blair, over the credits serves as the visual appetizer on this animated feast.
Dated: Tink’s Hip Humor
One of the running gags in certain areas of the Disney fandom is that Tinkerbell was based on Marylin Monroe, hence her long legs and curvacious hips.
Although the real inspiration was dancer Margret Kerry, the humor involving Tink's figure might warrant more than a G rating in today's market. Tinkerbell has always been a bit of a provocative character, but there is such a thing as too far. But it's not like Peter ever noticed.
Timeless: The Flight Sequences
The Disney artists truly had a field day when they were commissioned to create the incredible flight sequences as Peter Pan and the Darling children take to the skies over London on their way to Neverland.
At the time, creating the magical trip to the Second Star to the Right was a true feat of ink and paper. The characters really do appear to be flying right off the cells, an impressive feat for 1954.
Dated: Gender Roles
On one hand, the play was written in 1904 and the film in question 50 years later. It was indeed a different time when gender roles were not as fluid as they are today.
From the very beginning, Wendy is sought out by Peter Pan to tell stories to him and the Lost Boys, and soon she falls into the standard damsel-in-distress role on more than one occasion. At least Tiger Lily had the excuse of being tied to an anchor.
Timeless: Peter and the Lost Boys
Simply put, Peter Pan and the Lost Boys are a gang of fun characters that help suck the audience into the world of Neverland.
They are just as important to the world as the pirates or the mermaids, and Disney did an excellent job in making them distinct and memorable. They all have their own personalities, individual designs, and they don't feel like just filler kid characters seen in other adaptations of the play.
Dated: Malicious Mermaids
For a studio that would later feature the most famous Mermaid in all of fiction, their first few members of the species were a trifle more antagonistic than Ariel would ever dream of being.
Granted, the ones in the book were much more monstrous, and perhaps this was Disney's way of alluding to it. The line "we were only trying to drown her" is not only oddly unsettling in this otherwise cheerful film, it was probably accurate.
Timeless: The Music
Disney music is always a stand out feature, no matter what film is being discussed. Right off the bat, the music of Peter Pan features the previously-mentioned "Second Star to the Right" as well as other catchy numbers like "You Can Fly" and "Following the Leader"
Even the problematic "What Made the Red Man Red?" is memorable for more than just its notoriety. The Sherman Brothers might not have hit the scene yet, but Disney still had some terrific musical tallent.
Dated: Depiction of Indigenous People
Speaking of a certain notorious song, the biggest and definitely most glaring problem with Peter Pan is its depiction of the island's natives, depicted as blatant and offensive Native American stereotypes.
Although they're not in the film very long, they are harder to watch now that culture has progressed. Much like other offensive content found in Song of the South, nobody would get away with these cringe-worthy caricatures today.
Timeless: Hook and Smee
Captain Hook and Mr. Smee are perhaps the best and funniest part of the film. Not until the arrival of Timon and Pumbaa did Disney create such a comedic pairing.
Although Hook will always be one of the studio's most famous antagonists, he's also one of the funniest. Pair his over-the-top persona with Smee's bumbling and Tick-Tock Croc's appetite and it's a recipe for some seriously solid slapstick.