Finding Neverland

Starring: Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, Radha Mitchell, Dustin Hoffman, Freddie Highmore
Directed by: Marc Forster
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
2004

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) befriends a widow (Kate Winslet) and her four children, whom inspire him to write the beloved classic Peter Pan.

Review:

Tim: There may come a time, and soon, I imagine, where the biopic loses its effectiveness with me. I will not be so easily swayed and impressed by a subgenre that milks the same formula for effectiveness every time. Luckily, I am not at that point yet, and Finding Neverland strays from the typical formula enough to impress. The story of J.M. Barrie and the creation of Peter Pan is an interesting one, and this film does an exceedingly good job of capturing this tale.

If we're going to start heaping credit on this movie, the majority needs to go to Johnny Depp. He is proving himself to be a required entry in any discussion of the greatest actors in Hollywood. His range of characters is absolutely astounding, and he works his magic again here. Whereas characters like Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies is so effective because of how overstated and outspoken he is, Depp's Barrie is enjoyable because of the quiet, understated side to the actor. Depp approaches this role carefully, and what we are given is a complex man who balances reality with fantasy, the platonic with the romantic, and the joyous with the sorrowful. It really is an outstanding performance, but easy to overlook if you're not paying attention.

The rest of the cast provides at least good supporting roles. Kate Winslet was not bad in the role, but I'd imagine she has such a reputation for performing brilliantly that she is held to a higher standard than most. That is not particularly fair, but I couldn't help but expect more from her. Julie Christie is wonderfully unlikeable in her role. Freddie Highmore gives an excellent performance as Peter (the inspiration for the previously mentioned Pan). He is going to have a long, impressive career, and that is evident here. I also liked seeing Dustin Hoffman in the film, but I desperately wish he was given a role that wasn't almost completely irrelevant to the movie.

Finding Neverland is such a good movie, because like Depp's Barrie, it blends different things together to come up with a complex and thought-provoking final product. For anyone who knows the story of Peter Pan, this film will provide some valuable insight into its creator and the process for how it came to be. The movie hits the right emotional notes, and by its end, you will be supremely satisfied.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



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