Pleasantly surprised

Rating: 8/10 (29 January 2005)

I just came back from seeing this movie in high spirits. It was one of those rare movies which manages to be both funny and touching at the same time ("Man on the Moon" comes to mind as another example). The movie is quite straightforward and does not break new ground in any way. But the story is good and uplifting (I wonder how much is actually true), the direction is good if not brilliant, and the acting is overall outstanding. I have had some reservations about Johnny Depp before, but here he is perfect. And the little boy who plays Peter; what can I say, the final scene just blew me away. I laughed out loud and was moved to tears several times during this film. Recommended!