TINKER BELL

A fairy navigates magical problems in a chaotic and fantastical Never Land.

The ageless Tinker Bell stars as the protagonist of this prequel to Disney’s Peter Pan. Tink and her friends call themselves the Wanderers: mermaid Blair, shape-shifter Mimic, fairy Ash, Indigenous human Tiger Lily, and 17-year-old human Caiman, a pirate. Odd disturbances on the island connected to Never Land’s magic send Tink off to seek a solution on the Mainland, where she finds Londoners struggling with poverty, pollution, and impending war. At the Greater London Hospital for Boys, she meets James, who works with other orphans, including red-haired Peter. Tink persuades James, Peter, and the other boys to abandon London and accompany her to Never Land. By the time they return, conditions have worsened, and the island is in danger of losing its magic. As an origin story for the Lost Boys, the storyline largely adheres to the original but is marred by some plot holes. Tink’s good intentions are overshadowed by her impulsive selfishness, and her conflicted friendships sometimes feel more toxic than supportive. Tink glosses over the lack of care the rescued Lost Boys receive in Never Land; they’re often left alone. The romance between Tink and James contains emotional moments but lacks depth and cohesion. Most human characters read white.

Confusing choices make this spin-off miss the mark.