The reason so many of Disney's animated sequels have gone directly to video rather than playing on the big screen is that, frankly, they can't hold a candle to their classic forebears. They lack the old Disney magic.
Sadly, the same holds true for "Return to Never Land," a lackluster, unessential sequel to the classic Disney adaptation of J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan."
Despite this musical adventure's budget, which is larger than other Mouse House sequels, "Return to Never Land" probably should have headed straight to video stores. If the film accomplishes anything, it might simply be to prompt parents to buy or rent its predecessor, so their children can see the far-superior original "Peter Pan," rather than this inferior, unmemorable effort.
The sequel takes place several years after the events in "Peter Pan." Wendy (voiced by veteran vocal performer Kath Soucie) is all grown up. In fact, she's married and has two children of her own, Danny (Andrew McDonough) and Jane (Harriet Owen).
Jane is a 12-year-old who is perhaps a little too serious for her own good. Having watched her father go off the war (the film is set during World War II), Jane's got no time for her mother's fanciful tales of a puckish hero and his Lost Boys. However, she comes to believe them when she's abducted by Captain Hook (Corey Burton), who whisks her away to Never Land.
It turns out the villain is still seeking revenge on Peter (Blayne Weaver), who must rescue Jane, as well as convince her to believe in the power of fantasy and imagination — for her own good as well as his.
As you can probably tell, the story is fairly unoriginal, as it swipes elements from Barrie's original tale, as well as other classics. Worse, the "original" songs are fairly bland (except, perhaps, for "One of Us," written by avant-pop act They Might Be Giants).
The animation is colorful but it's not up to Disney best standard. In particular, the computer-generated set-pieces (such as Hook's ship) don't blend very well with the painted cel work.
By comparison, the Pluto cartoon shown before the feature — the 1947 short "Pluto's Fledgling" — displays infinitely more wit, creativity and style.
"Return to Never Land" is rated G, though it does contain scenes of animated violence (including slapstick bits, sword fighting and some wartime mayhem) as well as mildly vulgar humor (including one flatulence joke). Running time: 79 minutes ("Return to Never Land," 72 minutes; "Pluto's Fledgling," 7 minutes).
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com