As the film stands: Heartwarming and realistic, if a bit slow

Rating: 9/10 (18 June 2014)

Let's start off with the fact that, like most based-on-real-life films, there is an emphasis on "based". That being said, the movie stands on its own two legs, as will this review. Let it be said as well, that Disney was a clever businessman, and Travers was a clever writer, and both were incredibly stubborn and absolutely human. They both had their moments good and bad. So, as far as that goes, I'm leaving the truth vs fiction/ Disney vs Travers arguments out of this review.
Starting off with the more aesthetic values, it is a beautiful film, and the music, both the score and original songs from Mary Poppins are equally wonderful and memorable. I was told by a friend that I would leave the theatre singing "Let's go fly a kite" and she was not wrong. The characters are what drives the film, and while they did have excellent source material, they had their work cut out for them. Balancing between making Disney and Travers sympathetic but still who they are was no easy task, and while some may be quick to judge Travers, they succeed in balancing her character out as the film progresses. The plot is the movie's only flaw perhaps, as the movie is very character driven. Personally, I was not bored, but I could understand how one may find themselves so in the middle section of the movie, specifically during certain parts of the flashbacks or during the back-and-forth fighting over the rights.
Overall, the film is incredibly heartwarming, while still maintaining a realistic ending. There's no happily ever after per say, but a compromise and an understanding that leaves the characters all the better for it, and the audience hopefully a little less quick to judge.