Rating: 
Country: USA
Release Date: November 12, 2004
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Movie Review: Finding Neverland
by Scott Juba
Published: November 23, 2004
Distributor: |
Director: |
Cast: |
Miramax |
Marc Forster |
Johnny Depp as J.M. Barrie
Kate Winslet as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies
Freddie Highmore as Peter Llewelyn Davies
Dustin Hoffman as Charles Frohman
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For more information: IMDb Link |
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It’s no secret that Johnny Depp is one of the best actors in the world. Yet, for all of his skill and talent, he’s never received an Academy Award. After his performance in “Finding Neverland”, however, that all may change. Depp portrays J.M. Barrie, a struggling playwright whose relationship with a widow and her four young boys inspires him to create the now world famous, “Peter Pan”.
The story behind Barrie’s creation of his classic characters is told with remarkable ease and grace, benefiting from a screenplay that is filled with textured characters and honest emotion. “Finding Neverland” manages to be a tearjerker without relying on manipulative techniques to elicit emotion from the audience. This is good old-fashioned storytelling from the heart that reminds us how important companionship and kindness can be. Through the way Barrie incorporates his interactions with the children into “Peter Pan”, the film also comments on how life and art so often mimic each other.
The cast excels with performances that bring out the subtle joys of common interactions. Depp once again completely sublimates his own identity and morphs into an entirely different person. With tight competition from Jim Caviezel and Jamie Foxx, it’s a toss up as to whom will take home the Best Actor trophy come February; but if Depp goes much longer without the title of Academy Award winner added to his resume, it will be a downright shame.
Building on her solid work in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, Kate Winslet performs at a high level in a role that is full of understated complexities. She is quietly becoming one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses, proving that no role is beyond her talent sphere.
The brilliance of Depp and Winslet, however, does not eclipse the striking performance of young star, Freddie Highmore. Playing a child struggling with the loss of his father and the worsening health of his mother, Highmore emotes intense feelings with the savvy confidence of a seasoned veteran. At times uplifting and at times heartbreaking, Highmore’s acting may be the best work of any supporting actor in 2004.
With the guided vision of director Marc Forster, a moving script, and a stellar cast, “Finding Neverland” is as enchanting as the Peter Pan fairytale itself. I’ve already reserved a spot for it on my year-end top ten list.
Overall Grade: A+
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CD Giveaway - Paper Bird, "Rooms"
Ends May 28, 2013
Drifting ever so slightly away from traditional folk music, this Colorado band delivers harmony and energy aplenty. |
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