Not A Children's Movie

Rating: 6/10 (30 December 2008)

Finding Neverland was on my "to see" list for for several months. I had contemplated watching it with my friends but thought it might be too childish because of it's PG rating. When I finally got around to watching it I found more the opposite. Though it may have something to do with peter pan and children, it is an adult-themed film.
A reputable score is salvaged from me because of the terrific performances from Winslet and Depp. The children were well casted yet forgettable in my opinion. Dustin Hoffman was neither well casted nor well utilized.
My real problems come with director Marc Forster. His previous film "Monster's Ball" was literal misery too watch. He also directed Quantum of Solace where he again disappointed me after the previous bond movie "Casino Royale" was such a hit. But I was willing to give him another chance on this one.
The bottom line is I felt Forster underachieved in a golden opportunity for creativity. The story sounded like it would appeal to both children and adults and Forster was caught in no- man's land. I can tell you that children will not find this entertaining at all. Their is much too drama and the few elements of imagination throughout the film are mostly only recognized my adults. The tone of the film is certainly not light and happy.
I do admire the points that were able to be conveyed without the use of sex, violence and bad language but if your going to take that all out, you should at least make it appeal to kids