Never grow up

Rating: 8/10 (20 April 2006)

Finding Neverland is the fictionalized story of J. M. Barrie's Platonic relationship with a widow and her sons. It also shows how they change each others' lives for the better and how Barrie gets his inspiration for Peter Pan.
Johnny Depp is at his best here. I think people have gotten used to him playing strange characters so they are reluctant to accept him in this role, but he proves that he is a truly talented actor.
Kate Winslet also shows her skill as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, the widow trying to cope with four young boys and a meddling mother-in-law (Julie Christie, at her best!) The movie takes us in and out of the fantasies of Barrie. Usually, I find this tactic distracting, but it works here. There are so many surprises in this movie, it's a joy to watch.