A Film Review by: Ben Hayle, NMTV
One of the most beloved movies of all time almost didn’t make it from page to screen. In Saving Mr. Banks we learn about the 20 year struggle between Walt Disney(Tom Hanks) and P.L. Travers(Emma Thompson), the author of Mary Poppins. The film takes place over the course of a few weeks in 1961 when Travers traveled to Los Angeles to work with Disney and his creative team. The film also uses flashbacks to explore Travers childhood especially her relationship with her father(Colin Farrell).
Saving Mr. Banks is a driven by top notch acting performances and an outstanding screenplay. Hank delivers his usual solid performances and embodies many of Disney’s characteristics and mannerisms. However, it is Thompson who steals every scene. Her portrayal of the guarded and cantankerous Travers is remarkable. The story is engaging and emotional, the audience feels for Travers as she attempts to protect the characters that are her family.
It was fun to see the story behind one of my favorite movies of all time even though the filmmakers took some liberties with the actual details of the story. To see the evolution of some famous musical score and the side stories including the relationship between Travers and her Los Angeles chauffeur Ralph(Paul Giamatti). With great acting, a wonderful score and a story that moved me to tears Saving Mr. Banks is a wonderful film for the holiday season.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
