A sweet story that is truly "delightful."

Rating: 9/10 (17 December 2013)

I read another review that called this movie delightful and I had to repeat it because that is exactly what this is. Its a unique look at one of the most iconic films in history. We all know Mary Poppins but how many of us know anything about where it came from. I'm not even sure I knew it was a book series. The film is fun, touching, sweet, and even moving at times. The dual stories of Walt Disney and "Mrs. Travers" and then the story of her growing up in Australia works very well and adds a whole other layer to this film. You wouldn't think a movie like this would have stunning cinematography but it has exactly that when showing the dusty outback. Mary Poppins is one of the most magical, timeless films ever made and this movie captures some of that making it very magical in its own way. It is perfect set in the 60's and literally transports you onto the lot of Walt Disney Studios during that time. It doesn't shove the time period on you but rather subtly immerses you into that era. The story is definitely character driven and the chemistry between our main actors is so important and I think it truly soars. I mean both of them are icons in their own right and together they are perfect for the film.
I am of course referring to Mr. Tom Hanks and the lovely Ms. Emma Thompson in a Golden Globe nominated performance. Hanks is perfect as Walt Disney and I think shares a lot in common with the man. We were blessed this year to have TWO Tom Hanks films from someone I think is probably one of the most talented and gifted actors in Hollywood history. His Walt Disney is electric and charismatic and you love him instantly and I think Hanks is the same way so it was easy for him to do it. Emma Thompson was simply outstanding as the curmudgeonly writer who wants her precious Mary Poppins protected. It is amazing even if this only a small portion of what she was like that the film got made at all. Thompson and Hanks are so good together, their chemistry is near perfect and their banter back and forth just incredibly entertaining. Thompson's off-beat chemistry with everyone in the film is amazing and makes this film a winner. The supporting cast were superb especially the likes of Paul Giamatti (amazingly touching role as a quiet meek limo driver who wins Thompson's friendship), Bradley Whitford, BJ Novak and Jason Schwartzman as the exhausted and often annoyed writers and musicians trying to get the film made. You would be hard pressed to find a more uplifting scene than when Bradley Whitford gets Thompson to dance with him to "Let's Go Fly a Kite." Lily Bigham and Kathy Baker were also quite good in very small roles as Disney's secretaries. In the Australian story you have Colin Farrell as the alcoholic, depressed but adoring father of the young Ginty. Farrell's role is heartbreaking and he does a great job with only a few important scenes. Ginty is played by a newcomer by the name of Annie Rose Buckley and this role should firmly have future offers rolling in because she is perfect and does such a great job! Ruth Wilson is decent as Ginty's emotionally distraught mother. She doesn't get a lot of depth to her character but she serves her purpose.
In many ways John Lee Hancock is the perfect director for this. Saving Mr. Banks has a similar emotional depth to his previous hit The Blind Side. He has a knack for bringing true to life stories to the big screen. There is just something you connect to with these people and Tom Hanks makes you feel like you're experiencing being in the presence of Walt Disney. Its the little things like his personality, the quirk of him hiding his smoking in his office and the sheer look of joy on his face when he is waiting at Disneyworld with his arms open wide. Everything about this film is feel good even the dark scenes you know there is a light behind it all. An absolute must see and a Disney classic in its own right. Bravo. 9/10