J. M. Barrie wrote the wonderful children’s book “Peter Pan” about a young boy who lived in a faraway place called Never Never Land, often shortened to Never Land or Neverland. Peter was lost at birth and in charge of other “Lost Boys” doing the best they can to survive in a magical place filled with pirates, crocodiles, fairies and Indians. Take all the imagination of a growing child and place it in a book to get an idea of the wonderful world of Peter Pan and his group.
With help from fairy Tinker Bell and her pixie dust, Peter learns to fly. The wanderlust fever hits him as it hits many a boy and he flies to London, chancing upon a wonderful girl named Wendy Darling who is reading stories to her brothers. Peter finds it hard to stay away and returns until eventually Wendy discovers him. The girl, with her brothers, flies off with Peter Pan to Never Never Land, much to the chagrin of a very jealous Tinker Bell. The children have many adventures and eventually return to London.
You might have seen the Walt Disney animated film or the Robin Williams version called “Hook.” Actually, both are fun to watch and somewhat related to Barrie’s book and play. I think that the 2003 movie “Peter Pan” is the closest version to the beloved story I used to read to my brothers and sisters, children and other young relatives. I also read it to my husband, who only encountered “The Little Golden Book of Peter Pan” as a child and had never heard of a Wendy Bird.
“Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer” is a story of a girl who easily qualifies as the child nobody wants. The parents leave and it is no wonder. I still have not figured out what the parents offered to Aunt Opal, another poor role model, to stay with this brat. Maybe a million dollars would be enough. I do not think it would entice me. The girl is rude and obnoxious. She surpasses ‘Ëœbrat’ and ‘Ëœrotten.’ I would not waste my money purchasing the books or seeing the movie. I watched two trailers before I decided it would not get better. See the better trailer here and ask yourself if this reflects the image of your family and friends. If the answer is yes, you can make some real money by opening a bed and breakfast for families with disgusting, incorrigible children.
Compare it to the “Peter Pan” video and ask yourself which appeals more as entertainment and family values. Life is not all sunshine and roses, but I cannot get warm and fuzzy with a child who has enough ‘Ëœteenage-itis ‘Ëœfor fourteen children. Perhaps “Judy Moody” will be the next “Nanny McPhee” sequel. If so, I will definitely see it, because the creature named “Judy Moody” obviously will be Nanny McPhee’s biggest challenge yet.
The opinions on “Peter Pan” and “Judy Moody” are those of the author.
