Thompson Brightens Up a Flawed Film

Rating: Null/10 (31 December 2013)

I admire John Lee Hancock for his willingness to tackle sentimental, sugary, and heavily cheesy scripts as a director because that tone will reflect on his direction. Though Saving Mr. Banks is a step in the right direction from reprehensible 2009 Best Picture nominee The Blind Side, Saving Mr. Banks has its problems most of which accumulate in the flashbacks that parallel the dominant storyline. In fact, if the flashbacks would have been eliminated entirely, Saving Mr. Banks could have been a charming, meta-tale that film fans could devour like last year's Hitchcock (which I adore).
Faults aside, Saving Mr. Banks is a warm tale featuring a soulful musical score, kooky hairstyles, and fun set designs. Tom Hanks suits his role of Walt Disney and has a few monologues where he puts the optimism and cheerfulness he hinges on for most of the film aside and creates something exceptional. Emma Thompson is rightfully soaking up most of the acclaim for Saving Mr. Banks. Her terrific portrayal full of snootiness and cruel comedy is made complex by burying sorrow and pain deep in her character's past. The concluding scene is so effective because of the truth Thompson displays.
Saving Mr. Banks is about letting go of the past, accepting it, forgiving those who have hurt you, and resurrecting yourself. The other, possibly more lucrative, message: Walt Disney is the cure for all children's misfortunes, even children in their old age.
Grade: B
Rating: 6.5