Saving Mr. Hanks.

Rating: 10/10 (19 December 2015)

Saving Mr. Banks (2013): Dir: John Lee Hancock / Cast: Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, Colin Ferrell, Paul Giamatti, Ruth Wilson: Wonderfully insightful film about bringing the enchanting Mary Poppins to life. Emma Thompson plays P. L. Travers, author of Mary Poppins. Her royalties are running out in 1961 as she reflects on the harsh realities of 1906 when her free spirited and good natured father struggled with work and sought out alcohol. Tom Hanks plays Walt Disney who made a promise to his daughters that he would bring Mary Poppins to life but to do so he needs Travers to sign over the rights. This becomes problematic as he has her flown out and shacked up in a fancy hotel filled with stuffed Disney characters. Director John Lee Hancock previously made The Blind Side, another film about one factor reaching out to another for the rightful benefit. Emma Thompson is a power house as a woman whose reluctance to relieve her writings conceals deeper pain. Tom Hanks reflects the charming and influential Walt Disney who goes to great lengths to gain her trust while hoping she overlooks certain story elements. This becomes humorous yet revealing as facts from both parties surface. Colin Ferrell is great playing Travers's alcoholic father whose legacy she feels compelled to protect. Ruth Wilson plays her mother who isn't dealt the fairest hand in life. Paul Giamatti has a nice supporting role as her assigned driver. In the end this is a beautiful and insightful portrait saving not just Mr. Banks, but also Travers, Disney, and ultimately Poppins herself. Score: 10 / 10