Finding Neverland (PG)

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

A tale of magic and fantasy inspired by the life of James M Barrie (Johnny Depp), the real-life author of the children's classic Peter Pan. Set in London in 1904, the film follows Barrie's creative journey to bring Peter Pan to life, from his first inspiration for the story up until the play's premiere at the Duke of York's Theatre - a night that will change not only Barrie's own life, but the lives of everyone close to him.

Like James Barrie, most of us have a side of door that needs to be re-opened or discovered. Very often, it is shut due to growing social pressures & responsibilities. The Key to the door is a Spiritual connection with someone or something. Behind this door you will find a New World full of Surprises & Inspirations. A line I really like from James Barrie, “Don’t send the kids to bed. They grow a year older everytime they wake up. Before you know it, it’s all over.”

Johnny Depp’s charismatic performance is like a fine wine that gets better as the years go by. Not at his best yet, but we’ll see...his British accent sounded a bit weird though.

The four sons of the young widow Sylvia Llewelyn Davies’ (Kate Winslet) - George, Jack, Peter & Michael managed to steal some of the scenes from the leads. I don’t usually enjoy shows with kids in them (esp, Hooks, Goonies, Home Alone, Spy Kids, etc). I find them irritating, & the directors tried too hard to make them “fakey” cute! As for the Davies kids, I applaud for their great natural performances.

I'm slightly disappointed because there isn't enough of James' fantasy world. Overall, Finding Neverland does deserves its 7 Oscar Nominations

Director: Marc Forster
Written by: David Magee
Studio: Miramax Films
Cast: Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, Radha Mitchell, Dustin Hoffman

A star for Mr Depp, two for the kids & one for the script.