asta77

Any of you who know me well or even reasonably well know that no matter how much I like something, I still manage to fine at least one thing to criticize. Examples of some of my criticisms would be...the effects could have been better, the pacing was too slow, this part was miscast, it was great up until the ending, etc. So, tonight I saw a sneak peak of Finding Neverland. I could tell almost immediately I was going to enjoy the film, but I also knew I would encounter something that bugged me. So, I waited....and waited...and waited because there *had* to be something to find fault with. Folks, I got nothing.

Now, I'm not saying this will be the best picture of the year. There are likely more meaningful or powerful or original films out there now or still yet to come. But, I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. There's just something enthralling about this film. And, no, it wasn't just because of Johnny Depp's presence. ;) Though it goes without saying that he is the rare actor that seems to get better with every film he makes.

While I feel the film was well written, the performances are really what make it work. There are so many possibilities for Oscar nominations - Johnny Depp, Julie Christie, and the kid who plays Peter, the inspiration for Peter Pan. Sadly, I fear these performances may be too low key for Academy voters who tend to look for flash over finesse. (On a side note, this is the second film in a row I've seen with Dustin Hoffman in a supporting role and thoroughly enjoyed his performance. His role here may not have been incredibly challenging, he provided some of the films funniest moments.)

To sum up, I laughed, I cried, I'd see it again in a minute. Get thee to a theatre when it opens.