Finding Neverland Inspires

Rating: 10/10 (5 November 2004)

I usually wait until films of this type (non-epic, non-adventure) come out on video/DVD. I was fortunate to see an advance screening and am very, very glad I saw it on the big screen. It's well worth the price of admission.
Finding Neverland is a completely enjoyable and uplifting fictionalization of J.M. Barrie's creative process for his most famous work, Peter Pan. It combines a sensitive exploration of the benefits of fantasy to children and adults, and also examines the need to respect children's intelligence in the face of difficult matters such as illness and death. The production, from costumes to locations to casting and the truly imaginative fantasy sequences, is impeccable. Leading the extraordinary cast are Johnny Depp completely convincing as the writer Barrie.
Mr. Depp continues to amaze with an understated, intelligent and emotionally searing performance, which is echoed by the young Freddie Highmore, who gives as good as he gets from his better-known co-stars. Far from being a chick flick or sedate historical drama, this film has a lot to say about the way boys grow into men, and how childhood indelibly affects us all.
The two young girls (aged 6 and 9) who sat in front of me thoroughly enjoyed it; here's a family film for the holidays that is about believing in something more than Santa, elves and the North Pole. Probably not for the youngest kids, but age 6 and up should do fine.
One word recommendation: GO!!