Never

November 13, 2017
Lain (the Love in Laguna series) entertains with this romantic reimagining of Peter Pan set in present-day New York City. Wendell “Wen” Darling, a 23-year-old advertising man responsible for raising his younger siblings, Michaela and John, crosses paths with inspired graffiti artist Peter, the lead singer of the Lost Boys band, which performs at club Neverland. When Peter agrees to sell Wen some original artwork to use in a peanut butter ad, Wen promises, but fails, to maintain Peter’s anonymity. This puts Peter at risk of being discovered by his formidable father, who wants to stifle his creative pursuits and force him to take over the family business empire (a subplot that feels somewhat contrived). The romance between Wen and Peter begins the night Peter seems to fly into Wen’s bedroom window, and it continues with playful sex scenes, while relations between the Darlings and the Lost Boys develop with charm. Fans of the original will enjoy Lain’s contemporary counterparts: Hook is a sinister drug dealer, Tink is a whimsically dressed tambourine player who talks at lightning speed, and Mr. Pennymaker comes to the rescue in his crocodile boots. The conflict resolution and romantic progression occasionally feel rushed, but Lain makes up for it with plenty of sweetness, spice, and nostalgia.