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Finding Neverland
11/24/04 - PG - 106m
Johnny Depp - Sir James Barrie
Kate Winslet - Sylvia Llewelyn Davies
Freddie Highmore - Peter Llewelyn Davies
Director: Marc Forster
Story by: Allan Knee (play) David Magee
Studio: Miramax
Official
Website
JEF
This movie was a gamble for us, and it turned out to be a winning bet. We both enjoyed this movie, and I am so glad I got to see it in the theatre.
Storyline: Based upon real characters and real events, the story focuses around J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp). Mr. Barrie is the playwright who penned the famous story about Peter Pan. The movie is not just another Peter Pan movie, but rather tells the story of Mr. Barrie’s life, and the events that led up to the creation of the famous Peter Pan.
I was not familiar with Mr. Barrie at all before this movie. I didn’t even know that Peter Pan was originally a play, but thought it was a book first that was turned into a play (it’s the other way around).
Lyn and I were talking about what movie to see this weekend. I had originally wanted to see the movie “Alexander” but in the short time of two days from it’s opening, I had already heard a bit of negative “buzz” about this movie. Not to mention, Lyn was not too interested in seeing the movie from the start. So I looked at the movie listings and saw that “Finding Neverland” was opening in select theatres, and our local theatre, happened to be one of the lucky ones. I’m a big fan of Johnny Depp, so I reluctantly suggested we see this movie. Lyn reluctantly agreed. 
Neither one of us really new what to expect. It had all the signs of being a “chick flick” (which it was). The trailers at the beginning of the movie were all chick flicks too. I was beginning to wonder if we made a big mistake. But then the movie started.
It was a period piece movie (another warning that this might be a chick flick). Set in the late 1800’s we meet the main characters. Johnny Depp was the main character and really carried this film. He did a tremendous job, and already I’m hearing buzz about and Oscar nomination (I agree). Kate Winslet was the other main character who played the role of Sylvia Llewelyn Davies. If anything, this was the weakest link in the movie for me. There were times when Kates acting was not standing up to those around her.
The acting overall for the film was terrific. There were many outstanding performances. (It was noted by both Lyn and I, that it was ironic to see Dustin Hoffman staring in another Peter Pan movie.) The acting by the kids were amazing as well, Freddie Highmore who played the part of Peter Llewelyn Davies was amazing. I even enjoyed the small role of Mackenzie Crook who played Jasper the usher. (I recognized Crook from the BBC TV show “The Office”).
I won’t go into any more about the film but I just want to say this is a real gem. I hope this movie will be released on a wider scale, and that many of you will get the opportunity to see this work of art. If it doesn't get a big release, please make a mental note now, to go out and rent this DVD when it is released.
We took a gamble on seeing this film, and it really payed off. I’m SO glad that we skipped “Alexander” so that we could see this movie.
Jef
