yeah, it's manipulative and contrived, but I really liked it (spoilers in second half)

Rating: 8/10 (19 March 2005)

Movies all have flaws, and we all find some flaws acceptable in some circumstances. While it is very easy to pick apart Finding Neverland for its sentimentality and it's incredibly contrived structure, I found it quite touching. Performances were good and it had many lovely moments such as the living room performance of Peter Pan. I don't mind being manipulated as long as I enjoy myself.
/*********************** begin spoilers ************************/ That being said, this movie has a very typically Hollywood approach and is full of utterly ridiculous things that are far too pat to have actually happened as they do in the movie. Am I really expected to believe that Barried told his producer to leave some seats open and snuck in children without telling his producer what he was going to do? What sense would that make? And how likely is it that Sylvia would have this major attack on the very night of Peter Pan's opening. Isn't that just a little too convenient? It neatens the drama and heightens the effect, but it is also inherently false.
/************************ end spoilers *************************/ For all it's faults, I thought this movie was lovely and enjoyable. But I admit that it is utter nonsense.