Heartwarming and Fun

Rating: 9/10 (13 January 2005)

I loved this film It was one of my Favorite films of the year along with Big Fish Its not Big and doesn't try to be clever. I have no Idea how true to history it is and I don't care, if it is then Wow if it isn't then i don't think J.M.Barrie would care to much from what is said about the man. Its a story about having fun and using your imagination even if things around you are trying to suppress this. Its a film that Kids may find a bit slow but Big Kids will enjoy. The film is based around J.M.Barries attempts at writing a new play (guess which one) after his last one flops, his inspiration comes from the Davies Children one of them who is called Peter. Peter is a serious child who has issues with his fathers death and at a small age is struggling to cope. Barrie provides the Davies Kids with a Fun Father Figure. As well as the children there is the Mother who has also taken a shine to Barrie and the film depicts their careful relationship as friends. The film involves Humour and playfulness along with more serious issues such as Relationships, Death and Persecution. By the end of the film you will probably be in tears and then an Hour later your heart will feel warm and cosy. Johnny Depp is ideally cast as J.M.Barrie there aren't many people who could play the part as good and none who could have done better. Kate Winslet who plays Sylvia the Mother has that mischievous look in her eye when its needed and the more serious look likewise. The kids are a bit wooden ( as most kids in films are ) but they are quite cute so you can let them off. Julie Christie plays the Stern Grandma and is definitely quite scary.
Overall :- Story - Excellent it tells the tale well and leaves you asking yourself questions about yourself. Pace - Well its not an action movie but the story keeps it moving well. Acting - Very good you believe in the Characters although the Kids struggled with more emotional scenes. Set - Oooh very Victorian but brighter than other Victorian sets. Overall - 9 Very good film the only thing that will put people off is that its a bit whimsical but if your like me and you like that sort of thing then you will like this.