Excellent film which reveals nature of an artist.

Rating: 8/10 (12 January 2014)

They say the best art comes out of depression, traumatic events, and "sad" times in one's life. That's what the subject of this film is.
For those looking for a Walt Disney bio flick, you WILL be disappointed, this is not it...It is a character study of P.L. Travers. aka the author of "Mary Poppins." In a nutshell, the majority of the story shows us how the story of "Mary Poppins," is based on the author's troubled childhood relationship with her father. If you haven't guessed, "Mr. Banks," is the character who represents her father; there's my big spoiler. These childhood memories are slowly revealed to us while Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) and his production crew attempt to win over the film rights to P.L. Travers' book.
We all know how the story ends, "Mary Poppins," went on to become one of the most successful Disney films EVER so I have to tell you, this is more about the journey than the end result and it is awesome! I won't spoil everything, but here's what I liked and didn't like!
THE GOOD:

Superb Acting. Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, Paul Giamatti, BJ Novak, Brad Whitford, Colin Farrell, and even the young girl were awesome.

Very entertaining and touching. Just a feel good film with very sobering moments included in. There wasn't a dry eye in the house when I watched it.

Loved the transitions between the past and present. Well edited and put together.

Musical number scenes were hilarious and just delightful. I found myself singing along and with a smile on my face the whole time!

THE BAD:

The ending dragged a bit. When Disney goes to London in order to FINALLY convince her it just takes way too long...I was checking my phone at that point. It took too long to land the plane. They could have shaved off a good 15 minutes or so of screen time.

Needed more musical numbers! I know it wasn't Mary Poppins, but listening to BJ Novak and Jason Schwartzman on the piano was amazing!

Obviously I couldn't find too much wrong with this film by my giving it an "8," but I am serious when I say that it's a bit overlong. They could have done without some of the dragging moments. Overall though it's a very touching, wonderful, and tear jerking film! It does what few films can do which is really put us in the mindset of the artist. GO see it if you haven't!