Tom Hanks as Walt Disney in Saving Mr. Banks
Vintage Disneyland and Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. This is what the Saving Mr. Banks previews had me most excited to see. The feel good demeanor had me looking forward to a colorful, happy film all year. When I first saw this movie I was shocked that it was nothing like that. I actually left the theatre emotional and moved by heavy topics told in this tale based on true events.
Annie Rose Buckley and Colin Farrell in Saving Mr. Banks
It’s clear that some creative license is taken for entertainment purposes. Let it go and suspend your disbelief to enjoy this movie. Though the times periods in this film are represented beautifully there are some obvious misplacements but nothing big enough to change the story drastically. Saving Mr. Banks gives such an interesting look inside the early concept meetings of the beloved film Mary Poppins but what dominates is the interwoven backstory of author P.L. Travers. It’s sad and really hit home for me a few different ways. Know that there are some heavy themes present such as depression, death, alcoholism and suicide. This film is not suitable for young audiences. However, I feel that adults will really enjoy the rich, meaningful story.
I was blown away by everyone’s performance in this film, especially the young actress who plays P.L. Travers as a girl, Annie Rose Buckley. Colin Farrell proves his talent yet again as Travers’ father and Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak as the Sherman brothers are absolutely wonderful. I chatted with song-writer Richard Sherman once and he has an elegant, humble, loving air about him which Schwartzman brings to life on the big screen. Emma Thompson is incredible. The chemistry between her character and Tom Hanks as Walt Disney is truly magical.
Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak as the Sherman brothers are absolutely wonderful.
Emma Thompson is incredible as P.L. Travers in Saving Mr. Banks.
If you are a fan of Disney, or a good story in general, you’ll enjoy this movie if you go in with the right expectations. Sometimes sad but continually entertaining, Saving Mr. Banks will be favored by many this holiday season and beyond. It’s especially meaningful knowing how much Mary Poppins meant to Walt Disney and what he went through to take it from page to screen.
I really connected with this movie, both as a father of a daughter, and a young adult that lost his Dad early in life. This is definitely a movie all parents (Especially dads)need to see. It reminds us of what is really important.