Finding Neverland is a magical, imaginative masterpiece.

Rating: 9/10 (6 November 2004)

What a refreshing surprise! With few expectations, Finding Neverland really blew me away. It's imaginative, humorous, inspiring, moving, and entertaining. It's not often that Hollywood can deliver such honest emotion wrapped in such an inspirational story. This is absolutely one of the best films this year.
Finding Neverland tells the story of 'Peter Pan' author, J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp), and details the experiences that lead him to write his classic tale. After his latest play bombs, Barrie finds inspiration through the children of a local woman who is left raising her 4 children after her husband's death. His special relationship with this family, and in particular one boy Peter, drives him to craft his story and create Neverland, a joyous and magical place. From their adventures through boyhood imagination, Barrie becomes an inspiration for those that inspire him the most.
Director Marc Forster (Monster's Ball) has crafted an entertaining and moving film. The pacing is deliberate and the emotion is honest. The way he jumps between reality and the world of imagination is a treat to watch. I also have to commend Forster for not letting the film become too sappy in the end.
Johnny Depp gives yet another terrific performance, delivering his lines with a Scottish accent that sounds both natural and convincing. His boyish looks help you to believe he is just a big kid, and his interactions with the boys are natural and sincere.
Kate Winslett's portrayal of a mother struggling to stay afloat is honest and full of emotion. She is a fine actress and this was a fine performance. It's no surprise that with 'Finding Neverland' and 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,' Kate Winslett has appeared in two of the top three movies of 2004. She is a tremendous talent and is well utilized here.
Despite the strong performances by Depp and Winslett, young actor Freddie Highmore steals the show with his portrayal of Peter, a young boy who has grown up too quickly trying to cope with his father's death. This young man is special and I dare you not to be moved by his performance. The on screen relationship between the boy who refuses to stay young and the playwright who refuses to grow up, is captivating and a pleasure to watch.
By the end of the film, there wasn't a dry eye in the theater. I pinched myself on several occasions trying to detach myself from the emotion of the story. Never heavy handed, Finding Neverland aims for your heart, and scores a big hit.
mastercritic.com