I do believe in fairies! But 7 Oscar nominations?

Rating: 6/10 (5 April 2005)

Miramax is masterful at pulling Oscar nominations out of their asses for their sweet sunny films that probably shouldn't be getting as many accolades as it should. That's not to say the movie isn't any good, but generally, it's all about marketing. "Finding Neverland" is a good sweet film that follows writer JM Barrie's creation of "Peter Pan".
Depp plays Barrie with a lot of tenderness and goodness. Barrie, just coming off a flop and in the midst of a stale marriage hooks up with a family while at the park with his giant dog. Kate Winslet plays a widowed mom with 4 kids and she needs help. Barrie offers it to her and eventually endears himself to her and her boys becoming an inspiration for his writing of "Peter Pan".
The movie is well done. It flows well, it's sweet, and of course it's about the creation of a classic story. Who doesn't love Peter Pan? The movie does it's job at telling a nice story. I didn't find the performances anything special, but they were good enough. Depp is good, but I think he excels at the quirkier roles.
This movie received 7 Oscar nominations. I don't see it. It's a nice sweet film that is enjoyable, but I think the nominations are more the work of the masterful Miramax marketing machine. (***)