Entertaining story, made all the better by a wonderful cast!

Rating: 8/10 (26 December 2013)

Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) usually gets what he wants. But, a promise he made to his daughters twenty years ago, to bring the novel Mary Poppins to the screen, has been a big thorn in his side. No matter how he has approached or wooed the author, Brit P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) she has refused to sign over the rights. But, things change. Her money is running out and she does love her beautiful house and amenities. Therefore, this crabby lady finally agrees to come to Los Angeles and meet with Disney himself. When she arrives, she is met by a very personal limo driver (Paul Giamatti) but she shows him no warmth. Nor does the hotel room, filled with Disney stuffed animals, change her attitude. Most of the creatures go in a closet, while Mickey Mouse has to sit in the corner. At the studio, the celebrated composers Richard (Jason Schwartzman) and Robert Sherman are targets of her unpleasantness, as are all of the other staff members. Just why is this dame so contrary, when everyone is rolling out the bright red carpet? In flashback, the viewer learns of her difficult, unstable childhood in Australia. Especially sad is her relationship with her father, Travers Goff (Colin Farrell), who sparked her imagination, when he wasn't drinking and losing jobs. In addition, he dies young and the children are subjected to stuffy Aunt Ellie (Rachel Griffiths). What will it take to please Miss Travers and get her name on the dotted line? For all movie fans who love the terrific Disney classic, Mary Poppins, here is the tale of how it almost never got made! Ms. Travers was one witch-on-wheels whose demands were only exceeded by her horrible disposition. Yes, she had a difficult childhood, which explains but does not excuse her perpetual coldness. Only Emma Thompson could bring her to life with some small saving graces. The rest of the cast, too, is superb, with Hanks, Griffiths, Giamatti, Schwartzman, and company doing a fantastic job. Especially noteworthy is Farrell; never has he been so touching or polished. The sets, from Down Under to sunny California, are also great, as are the costumes, well conceived script and confident direction. The meaning of the title is realized slowly but is memorable. All in all, don't save a showing of this movie for a rainy day. See it before the wind changes indeed.