Fall for it Hook, line and Tinkerbell

Rating: 10/10 (12 October 2004)

To a dyed-in-the-wool cynic like me, the words 'uplifting', 'inspirational' and 'heartwarming' are marketing kryptonite. But if and when Disney start ladling the treacle on the Finding Neverland campaign, believe me, it really is all of those things.
Marc Forster's direction is imaginative yet focused, sidestepping the many opportunities to lapse into schmaltz with frequent injections of humour and by keeping the, um, theatricals to a minimum. For the latter, he has a universally terrific cast to thank.
Depp doesn't put a foot wrong as the dreamer whose relationship with children is based on mutual respect; Kate Winslet is fine in a fairly stereotypical role, the boys playing her sons are engagingly impressive, and Julie Christie should be at the head of the Best Supporting Actress queue as their icy but well-meaning granny.
JM Barrie's estate might not be particularly thrilled at some of the artistic licence the makers have taken, but as far as I'm concerned, there hasn't been a more elegantly staged or appealing film all year.