An Emotional Charmer

Rating: 8/10 (21 June 2007)

My strong liking for "Finding Neverland" is very strange, being that I despise every other film on Mark Froster's resume. However, this is a great film and Forster's usually annoying sincerity and sentimentality is the perfect touch for this film. Johnny Depp shows what a great actor he really is when he takes off all the makeup and quirky mannerisms to pull off a phenomenal performance as Mr. J. M. Barrie. His acting, which in this film is restrained on the surface but powerful within, takes away the possible dullness of the film. The story itself moves along at a rather slow pace, but is charming and enjoyable the entire time. It is driven by stand-out performances by the above-mentioned star as well as Dustin Hoffman and the lovely Kate Winslet. If not already nominated for "Eternal Sunshine," Winslet would surely have received an Oscar nod for this film. The other show-stealer in the movie is actually the young Freddie Highmore. Having not yet received all the fame and offers he did after "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," Highmore acts without any of the arrogance or pretentiousness that we have now become accustomed to seeing him with. The story itself, which is mostly true, is saddening, but at the same time breath-taking and deeply emotional. It's a tear-jerker to the highest degree, and is a great film for men and women of all ages. See it for the fascinating story and the stellar performances.