The other Neverland
By Meriah Doty
CNN
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Director P.J. Hogan says his Captain Hook is much more frightening than Disney's Hook.
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ON CNN TV
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Watch "Eye on Entertainment" on CNN's "Live Today" Thursdays between 10 a.m. to noon ET.
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(CNN) -- If you're weary of hearing "Neverland" in reference to a certain pop icon's California ranch, then escape the reality of the holiday hustle and bustle and travel to Never-Never Land instead; Universal's "Peter Pan" opens Christmas Day.
Eye-opener
Believe it or not, Peter Pan is nearing his 100th birthday. The J.M. Barrie play about a boy who could fly debuted in 1904.
Disney's 1953 cartoon feature "Peter Pan" is a far cry from this most recent film version -- one director P.J. Hogan says is more true to the original story.
On screen
• Films to suit any movie buff open on Christmas. Action seekers can choose between John Woo-directed "Paycheck" -- a high-tech tale about a top-secret mission that stars Ben Affleck -- and "Peter Pan." Epic enthusiasts may opt for "Cold Mountain," a star-studded Civil War flick which has already raked in several Golden Globe nominations. "Cheaper by the Dozen," a remake of a 1950 comedy, stars Hilary Duff, Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt.
• Jennifer Connelly and Ben Kingsley star in "House of Sand and Fog," which opens the day after Christmas. Based on a book, the drama revolves around a legal struggle over a house.
On the tube
• Combining all the elements of "American Idol," with an international flair ("Idol" got its start in the UK), "World Idol" Part one debuts on Fox Christmas night at 8 p.m. Part two airs New Year's night at 9 p.m.
• HBO staple "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and the much anticipated final season of "Sex and the City" debut Sunday January 4.
Sound waves
• Boy band B2K releases "B2K Presents: You Got Served - O.S.T." just in time to stuff a stocking. Rapper Juvenile releases "Juve the Great" December 23 as well.
