Peter Pan and the denizens of Neverland have captured the hearts and minds of J.M. Barrie's readers. But how did the imaginative author ever envision a world so wondrous yet perilous? Johnny Depp plays Barrie, a writer inspired by genius and dedicated to seeing his vision come to life onstage at the Duke of York's Theatre in 1904 London. Kate Winslet co-stars in this magical film that nabbed seven Oscar nominations and won Best Original Score.
Finding Neverland tells the story of J.M. Barrie and the inspiration for his play Peter Pan, and it tells it well. Although there may have been a few moments that were a bit too melodramatic, the overall film was superb. It was the perfect blend of reality and fantasy that should leave every viewer with a sense of awe. Ultimately, the creative team behind Finding Neverland makes you believe. The highlight of the film is easily the acting. Everyone involved gave what could easily be considered their best performance yet. From well known actors like Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet to relative newcomers like Radha Mitchell to unknowns (but not anymore!) like Freddie Highmore, the casting was perfect. The onscreen relationships and chemistry were completely believable. It was refreshing to see to main characters fall in love without any kind of sexual undertones whatsoever. The direction and production were perfectly suited to the film. Finding Neverland's balance of realism and fantasy showed the viewer the inside of Barrie's mind, without leaving the real world. The director manages to transition between the real and the fantastic seamlessly and with no disorienting effects. The score was absolutely wonderful and I'll be tracking it down on CD very soon. I don't say that too often. In short, Finding Neverland is a wonderful movie for all ages. The acting is top notch across the board. Not only does it give the viewer some insight into Barrie's mind when creating Peter Pan, it will make you believe.
- eclapham
Have become a confirmed Depp fan with this one! Johnny Depp has over the years forged an incredible and mulitfaceted career with the projects he has chosen. This film is no let down from the many interesting performances he has turned in. His accent is flawless and I was transfixed! And again, another fine performance from Winslett, she has matured into an actress with few peers. This film experience brought joy and not a few tears--a fascinating glimpse into these people's lives! Worth the view more than a few times! Thank you J.D.
- TH Reviews
Aside from delving a little into the melodramatic, Finding Neverland is a charming and engaging film. Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet pull off some stellar performances and are aided by a pretty solid screenplay. A wonderful adaptation of the Peter Pan story focusing on the creation of the story. It works as both a straight drama and an interesting study of the process of literature. It hovers somewhere between being extremely cheesy and being a solid drama that engages visually and dramatically. Its no classic but certainly worth a viewing, maybe two, terribly tragic, but that might be its most redeeming quality.
- Dlukenelson
This was a great movie. It stars Johnny Depp playing J.M. Barrie, the writer of Peter Pan. It shows his inspirations for creating the story and while it is very enlightening, it is also very sad. I recommend this one as well.
- opk 1139471
I didn't just cry during "Finding Neverland," I sobbed. As far as I could tell, everyone in the theater sobbed. So be warned, you will need tissue, lots and lots of tissue. "Finding Neverland" was a beautifully simple movie with superb performances by all the actors involved. A special nod goes to Freddie Highmore for nearly stealing the show from Johnny Depp, a pretty near impossible feat. As for Depp, He was amazing as always. DiCaprio will most likely (deservedly) garner the Best Actor award this year, but Depp is right up there with a skillful and more subtle performance. To the performances, add the lovely sets and a well-written, touching story, and you have a real winner of a film, an instant classic. Bravo.
- LB in Idaho
Absolutely FANTASTIC! This is the best Drama movie of the year. It is a bit slow and requires some patience, so if you can't handle that, don't rent this; you'll only give it a bad review. 'Finding Neverland' is a beautifully touching story that will make you laugh and make you cry. The pace does move a bit slow at spots but it is for the sake of careful character development that is necessary to create the proper affect on the audience, later in the movie. The overall quality of this movie reaches a standard of excellence that all Dramas strive for. The script is brilliant, the acting is terrific; the sound and cinematography are beautiful. I expected great things from Depp and Winslet but the great performances of the 4 boys was a pleasant surprise. If you are a fan of Peter Pan you need to see this. If you are a little bit familiar with J.M. Barrie OR if you are a fan of good quality Drama movies, check this out; you will be pleased! Hope this is helpful.
- Phatz
Johnny Depp is excellent in this movie as J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan. I think he is an extremely talented actor and totally underestimated as to his great skill. Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Kate Winslet) is a widow and mother of four. Barrie befriends her and sets everyone in London on their ear, gossiping and thinking the worst - including his wife and Sylvia's mother (played by Julie Christie). The movie is sweet. It reminds me of "A Grief Observed"Â in a small way. The boys are apparently what inspired Barrie to write Peter Pan - that and his own magical imagination.There are times this movie is slow (but rhythmical) but there are times when the magic of fairies shines through in all their glory.(8/12/08)
- VIP Club
After his latest play is a flop, London playwright J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) casts about for inspiration. His attentiveness and whimsical spirit takes up with widow Sylvia (Kate Winslet) and her four boys. Amidst grief over their father's death and their mother's worsening illness, he teaches them to be playful and to find their muse, even as he searches anew for his own. High society, meanwhile, is forbiddingly acid-tongued about the relationship, especially Barrie's status-conscious wife (who lives a separate life in the same house) and Sylvia's imposing mother. Finally, inspired by the child within him and his affection for the fatherless boys, Barrie writes and produces Peter Pan. Its premiere succeeds only because at the last minute, Barrie smuggles in 25 orphans, whose laughter inoculates the stuffiest of crowds with childlike mirth. More tepid than the promise of its premise and talented actors might belie. For similar movies, click my avatar then explore my Writer's, Librarian, and Fairytale lists. 4 stars.
- robowriter
This was a surprisingly delightful 1903 story. At first I wondered what nonsense was going on and thought I was about to view another crazy Johnny Depp movie. But before I knew it, I was captured and found that I cared very much about these characters. Depp and Kate Winslet were wonderful, as were the four boys, including Freddie Highmore. This is a heartwarming, emotionally charged, fantasy-like drama that is an endearingly poignant story about the author of Peter Pan. But its actually much more than that and should not be missed. Although certainly appropriate for all family members, I would think that children under the age of 10 would not understand everything that is going on.
- Southern Belle 1
This movie was a fascinating look into the mind of an writer, illustrating how artists take what they see in the world and create art from it. An interesting subtext that I enjoyed was the attraction or power of the creative energy, and how that often is more important to an artist than human relationships. The movie may take some time for someone to get used to the dialect, but it was well worth the trouble. By the third, but not last, time I watched this movie, I understood and fell utterly in love with it. The story is fascinating and the dialogue brilliant. I especially enjoyed the relationship and dialogue between Depp and Dustin's characters.
- VJ Purplequeen