A touch of magic...and some inspired performances...it soars like a kite...

Rating: 8/10 (9 July 2005)

A behind the scenes look at a portion of James M. Barrie's life is given the sort of superb visuals one expects from high quality British films of this sort. The magic is there when the story reaches the part about Barrie's inspiration for "Peter Pan". From then on, the film soars like a kite into an enchanted land.
What I wasn't prepared for was the fact that the story takes a sadder turn when dealing with Barrie's relationship with the widowed mother of the four boys (who, by the way, are wonderfully played by the most natural and appealing youngsters I've ever seen on film!) But the balance between laughter and tears is a nice one, finely controlled, so that at the conclusion you've been rewarded with a really satisfying piece of entertainment and a new perspective on "Peter Pan".
The performances are all first rate, exceptional in fact. Johnny Depp continues to stretch with each role, nailing the character so perfectly that he hardly seems to be acting. The same can be said for Kate Winslet, Julie Christie (in a rather thankless but well played role), and, of course, by the magnificent child actor Freddie Highmore, who plays Peter. Not since Freddie Bartholomew has a child of this exceptional talent and appeal appeared on the screen. The chemistry between him and Depp is magical.
Despite the tear-jerker elements, a film the whole family can savor and enjoy right up until the final credits. The most magical moments are the theater scenes, but the cinematography throughout on various locations is awesome.
The pace is a bit slow at times but this is the film's only flaw. Most will fall under the spell of the storytelling right from the start.