Finding Neverland (2004)
Also known as "J.M. Barrie's Neverland"
Unlock your imagination.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, Nick Roud, Radha Mitchell, Joe Prospero, Freddie Highmore, Dustin Hoffman, Kate Maberly, Luke Spill, Kelly Macdonald, Tony Way, Murray McArthur, Ian Hart, Paul Whitehouse
Director: Marc Forster
Running Time: 106 minutes
US MPAA rating: PGUK BBFC rating: PG
Drama
Everyone knows the tale of 'Peter Pan'. Whether you're familiar with it from stage or screen (there have been plenty of versions of both), you'll know all about the adventures of Peter, Tinkerbell, Wendy and those dastardly kiddy-hating pirates. But what of J.M. Barrie, the man who dreamt the whole thing up? What's his story? Well, now's your chance to find out - and it's not a chance to be missed.
Adapted from the play by Allan Knee and screenwriting of David Magee, director Marc Forster brings us the captivating account of a literary great who truly believed that, with a little imagination, anything is possible. And who better to bring this wondrous dreamer to life than Johnny Depp?
Set in London in 1903, it's the story of how Barrie, in the face of a crumbling marriage to wife Mary (Radha Mitchell), found joy and inspiration in the company of the children of another woman (Kate Winslet). While spending his every afternoon playing and inventing new games with the sprogs (among them Freddie Highmore, who'll be back on screen with Depp in 2005's 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'), he's moved to write the play that will see his name go down in literary history: 'Peter Pan'.
I always look forward to Johnny Depp movies. Even when they're not any good (the downright-rubbish 'Once Upon A Time In Mexico' as a glaringly obvious example), his talent always shines through. 'Finding Neverland', though, is better than good - it's delightful. The story manages to achieve the tricky feat of being touching without straying into schmaltz, and some of the visuals are frankly breathtaking. When Barrie's imagination comes to life on-screen it's part theatre prop, part special effect, and it creates a striking effect completely unlike anything else I've seen in live action film. As for Depp himself, he proves yet again that he's the finest and most versatile actor of his generation. Adopting an unswervingly accurate Scottish accent (are you watching, Mel Gibson?), he seems as at home with this quiet, withdrawn performance as he was with his showy theatrical display in last year's Pirates of the Caribbean.
It's Got: Winslet back on a boat. You'd think she'd have learned her lesson last time.
It Needs: To never grow up.
Alternatives: Peter Pan, Disney's Peter Pan, Hook
Summary: Discover the power of imagination with this enchanting tale of the original boy who never grew up.
Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 11th August 2004
External Links
Official Web Site
Finding Neverland at the IMDB
Comments26 Comments |
| I love Johnny Depp from Kara I |
| Comment by:- kara | jhghitcdy8 | 10 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| i actually love johhny depp more than you or anyone else! |
| Comment by:- Lou | | 10 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| im goin to see the film tonite so im sure, as johnny depps in it, its guna be good! |
| Comment by:- lou | | 10 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| Saw the sneak preview. Captain Jack.....er....I mean Johnny Depp will get his long overdue Oscar. Wow! |
| Comment by:- Michael Smoak | Tampabay.rr.com | 11 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| Haven't seen it, but Johnny depp and Kate winslet are two of my favorite celebs! |
| Comment by:- Emily | | 12 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| i have actually just returned from the cinema where i sat and watched Finding Neverland.... and cried a lot. It is a deeply moving and beautiful film that will surely be remembered as the original story is. |
| Comment by:- Phoebe | | 14 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| I am most definately Johnny Depp's biggest fan I know everything there is to know about him. He made the film what it was. it was really enchanting. |
| Comment by:- Hannah | | 15 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| Johnny Depp is an incredible actor and that makes him even more attractive. |
| Comment by:- Sara | | 16 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| i saw the movie on Saturday night and it was sooo amazing. Johnny is such an incredible actor and he really brought the film alive! Nobody else could have played the part better than him! Love you Johhny! |
| Comment by:- Ella | | 16 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| Johnny Depp is a great gay icon, like Freddy from Queen or Alice in Wonderland. I have just seen the movie and am very very excited. |
| Comment by:- jack | www.sexappeal.org.uk | 16 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| yeah well everyone is talking about Jonny d. and i would have to agree. he is a gifted actor. i am pumped because i am going to see the movie this weekend. |
| Comment by:- staci | | 17 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| Haven't seen this yet, am really looking forward to it!! Johnny Depp is an excellent actor I must say, and Kate Winslet always manages to pull my heartstrings. Such a must-watch movie!! |
| Comment by:- Rady | | 18 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| the film was beyond my expectations. it was moving, beautiful, and you fall in love with all of the characters. It is tender and meaningful, which is rare these days! After watching it today with my 13-year old daughter, we turned to each other and immediately decided it was one of our most favorite movies EVER. WELL done, good work, and thank you truly for a movie just the way we dreamed they would be done. A+. |
| Comment by:- renee | | 19 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| I saw the movie tonight, and Johnny Depp, once again, has proven his skills as an actor. Finding Neverland is a wonderful movie. Definately bring a box of tissues with you. It will leave you yearning for the days of youth and wishing to go to Neverland. I smell an Oscar. |
| Comment by:- Hannah | | 20 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| i loved the movie ....everybody was crying at the end and i cant lie i sheded a tear.....it was one of the best of the year.....actually THE BEST |
| Comment by:- lisa | | 24 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| No one is Johnny's Biggest Fan, and No one knows everything about him. So don't think you know him, i don't, and we're good friends. He is one of the most talented people i have ever had the Honor to meet, GREAT PREFORMANCE JOHNNY. |
| Comment by:- Vivian | | 25 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| Go Johnny!!!!!!! Can't wait to see it! |
| Comment by:- Lauren | | 26 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| No, *I* love Johnny more then anybody else and you can take *that* to the bank. The movie rocked. |
| Comment by:- Trish | | 27 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| This film beautifully encapsulates the world of J.M.Barrie. It examines the emotional and physical struggles of growing up and growing old. The ingenious creativity behind the story of Peter Pan, being that of a boy who never grows old, is told with the highest degree of sincerity painting a touching picture of the truth behind such a wonderful creation. |
| Comment by:- Natasha Higgins | | 27 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| This movie rocks the WORLD!!!! The plot is genius NOBODY could have played Johnney! The film was moving and beautiful! i was crying SO MUCH, GO JOHNNY DEPP!!!!!!!!!!! love ya! |
| Comment by:- Lauren | | 04 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| johnny dep is a very considerite man . i think we should all respect what time he takes away from being with his family , to entertain us . ( he's a hunk of burning love! ) |
| Comment by:- annie | | 06 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| The movie is rubbish and leads Barrie's legacy astray. Hopefully, no one will look to the movie as factual, but with some of the ignorant comments above the hope is quickly derailed. Miramax and Disney should be proud; media consolidation, glamour, and money have successfully soiled the minds of the public. |
| Comment by:- Bri | | 13 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| this movie stinks! |
| Comment by:- carly | hahaha | 20 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| johnny is hott |
| Comment by:- hi | | 21 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| This was the singularly most wonderful movie I have seen in a very long time. The actors were all fantastic. The story touching. The theater was filled with sobs even before the movie ended. |
| Comment by:- Philly Carole | | 24 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| I HATED IT DIE i cannot believe i wasted my life just 2 preview this stpid dumb motion pictues 2 hrs ofmy life is now gone all becasue of U jonny depp u r the this movie was nothing but rubbuish |
| Comment by:- sally | | 01 January 2005 | ip: logged |
