Good for a film based on a play based on a person's life...kind of...

Rating: 7/10 (14 April 2005)

*Might contain spoilers*
Reading some reviews, I wonder what people expected from this film. First, it is a remake of a play as stated in its credits. "Inspired by true events" is also added before the credits are over, which throws a lot of the true history out the window before the film begins. A suspension of belief, which was Barrie's calling card, is needed to watch this movie. This is a movie about a play based on a life...kind of.
Knowing this, I enjoyed the movie for what it was. It does have a lot of bathos, but I do think it is along the lines of Depp's new idea to make films his son would enjoy. I do think kids would enjoy this film.
I don't think any of the performances are wooden, they fit the piece and the time frame. I like Kate Winslet in any movie and did tear up because her character was going to die, but then again, I did that in Quills as well. Some actresses just bring up that emotion in me. Your mileage may vary. I also thought that girl from Trainspotting made a really nice Peter Pan.
I do wish this had been more historically accurate. I would have loved to have seen the husband Davies in the movie. His presence wouldn't have made the movie as creepy as it was. His absence makes the whole film take on an "alternative reality" which I suppose is tolerated, since it is about the guy who wrote Peter Pan. The history of the family is more tragic than what is shown, but maybe people watching it will be inspired to seek out some real history or at least watch the 2003 film, Peter Pan. That adaptation is wonderful and probably gives you more background about Barrie than this film does. As his wife says in the film, she would probably know more about him by watching his plays. I think this is true of the audience as well.
Despite the fact some reviews think this is a movie for adults, I think it is mainly for young people and teenagers. It reminds me of old live action Disney films and period pieces like Little Woman. To me, the 2003 movie Peter Pan was almost more for adults than children. Again, see that one first. Especially if you haven't seen Peter Pan before. I think you need the education of that play to like this movie. Plus, on that DVD there are extras about Barrie's true life so you will go into the movie knowing all the facts.