Fine time at the big screen

Rating: 7/10 (5 December 2013)

The struggle to bring Mary Poppins to the big screen. Visionary Walt Disney tries to convince the author to sell him the rights to the book but for 20 years she refuses. Finally, and when forced by financial difficulties she flies to LA to explore options about how could this work out.
Much of the movie is a clash of two worlds with 'Mary Poppins' being the battlefield. The conservative British woman (who is actually Australian) cannot relate to the happy clappy Los Angeles culture they try to convey on the film and remains adamant that it is best that the book does not become film.
Then again, she has to come up against the larger than life bon viveur that is Walt Disney. His patience, perseverance and tolerance of her eccentricities will prove a very formidable foe in this battle for rights.
Although a feel good movie, I can forgive it purely because it cast Tom Hanks. Two vastly different but equally delightful character make this the heart warmer one needs in this time of year and the best thing about it is that you do not have to take sides; both are very lovable.
Intelligent and witty it brought Mary Poppins to life in an innovative way.