FINDING NEVERLAND
Who would have dreamed that a place called
Neverland could be discovered in the uptight
London society of 1904? At a time when tales of
wonder and imagination were not the subjects of
scholarly playwrights, writer J. M. Barrie (Johnny
Depp) goes way out on a limb and lets his
imagination, and his love life, run wild. The result
of all this intellectual and sexual freedom is a
delightful childrens’ story filled with the
excitement of pirates, ticking crocodiles, and a
family of extraordinary siblings who have the
ability to sail through the sky with Peter Pan.
Directed by Marc Foster with writing credits going
to Alan Knee for his original screenplay, “The Man
Who Was Peter Pan,” and to David Magee who
adapted the play into the screenplay, this film is a
wonderful glimpse into the life and times of a
literary icon. And the glimpse that we get is not
always as innocent as his story of Peter Pan and
the Darling children. It is the freedom stemming
from his affair with a lovely widow, Sylvia Llewelyn
Davies (Kate Winslet), that seems to unlock his
inhibitions and give him the impetus to create in a
different dimension. All resulting in the renowned
childrens’ fantasy tale, “Peter Pan”.
Neverland could be discovered in the uptight
London society of 1904? At a time when tales of
wonder and imagination were not the subjects of
scholarly playwrights, writer J. M. Barrie (Johnny
Depp) goes way out on a limb and lets his
imagination, and his love life, run wild. The result
of all this intellectual and sexual freedom is a
delightful childrens’ story filled with the
excitement of pirates, ticking crocodiles, and a
family of extraordinary siblings who have the
ability to sail through the sky with Peter Pan.
Directed by Marc Foster with writing credits going
to Alan Knee for his original screenplay, “The Man
Who Was Peter Pan,” and to David Magee who
adapted the play into the screenplay, this film is a
wonderful glimpse into the life and times of a
literary icon. And the glimpse that we get is not
always as innocent as his story of Peter Pan and
the Darling children. It is the freedom stemming
from his affair with a lovely widow, Sylvia Llewelyn
Davies (Kate Winslet), that seems to unlock his
inhibitions and give him the impetus to create in a
different dimension. All resulting in the renowned
childrens’ fantasy tale, “Peter Pan”.
Mary's comments
An engaging story of an author who
charmed us all. Johnny Depp is a
marvelous choice for the lead, J. M. Barrie.
A strong role portraying a man who often
thought little of others, that could have led
us to disdain, comes off as charming with
many of the darker tones very subdued. A
story very well told, and done in good taste,
and allowing a PG rating.
An engaging story of an author who
charmed us all. Johnny Depp is a
marvelous choice for the lead, J. M. Barrie.
A strong role portraying a man who often
thought little of others, that could have led
us to disdain, comes off as charming with
many of the darker tones very subdued. A
story very well told, and done in good taste,
and allowing a PG rating.
Brenda's comments
In addition to being a very lovely period drama,
the film focuses on the true inspirations of J.
M. Barrie, the widow Sylvia and her delightful
brood. Johnny Depp is convincing as the
self-centered, freethinking man who writes a
classic that has endured the test of time. Julie
Christie and Dustin Hoffman make brief
appearances, and add to the strength of the
already brilliant cast. Well worth the price of
admission.
In addition to being a very lovely period drama,
the film focuses on the true inspirations of J.
M. Barrie, the widow Sylvia and her delightful
brood. Johnny Depp is convincing as the
self-centered, freethinking man who writes a
classic that has endured the test of time. Julie
Christie and Dustin Hoffman make brief
appearances, and add to the strength of the
already brilliant cast. Well worth the price of
admission.
© 2003 St. Louis Movie Review Weekly. All rights reserved, except where indicated.
| ST. LOUIS MOVIE REVIEW WEEKLY Publishers: Brenda S. Ladd & Mary K. Morgan |
Movie Details
Official Movie Website
Theatrical Release
2004
Home Video
3/22/05
MPAA Rating
Rated PG for mild thematic
elements and brief language.
Running Time
1 hour 41 minutes
Directed by
Marc Forster
Cast
Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet,
Julie Christie, Dustin
Hoffman, Radha Mitchell,
Ian Hart
Studio
Miramax Films
Theatrical Release
2004
Home Video
3/22/05
MPAA Rating
Rated PG for mild thematic
elements and brief language.
Running Time
1 hour 41 minutes
Directed by
Marc Forster
Cast
Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet,
Julie Christie, Dustin
Hoffman, Radha Mitchell,
Ian Hart
Studio
Miramax Films
DVD Details
Disc Specs
Languages: English, French, Spanish
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Running Time: 1 hr. 41 mins.
Number of Discs: 1
Features:
· Audio commentary with director
Marc Forster, producer Richard
Gladstein and writer David Magee
· The Magic of Finding Neverland
featurette
· Creating Neverland featurette
· Deleted scenes with optional
commentary from the producer, writer
and director
· Outtakes
· On The Red Carpet feature
Languages: English, French, Spanish
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Running Time: 1 hr. 41 mins.
Number of Discs: 1
Features:
· Audio commentary with director
Marc Forster, producer Richard
Gladstein and writer David Magee
· The Magic of Finding Neverland
featurette
· Creating Neverland featurette
· Deleted scenes with optional
commentary from the producer, writer
and director
· Outtakes
· On The Red Carpet feature