"Saving Mr. Banks"

"Mary Poppins" is a story that has delighted millions of children around the World, and the film has delighted an equal number of cinema goers. Now prepare to enjoy more magic as we take a look at the journey undertaken by P.L. Travers in her battle with the film giant that was Walt Disney in bringing this most beloved story to the big screen.

For 20 years, the Head of Disney has been trying to acquire the rights to "Mary Poppins", and the author is proving somewhat reluctant to sign those rights over. She fears that he will make a mockery of her most beloved work, with lots of singing, dancing and animation. She heads to America to meet with the Screenwriter, Musicians and the main man himself, so that she will be able to see her work brought to the screen the way that she would like. Only when she is happy will Travers is content, will she sign over the full rights to the Disney Company.

She proclaims that the characters in her book are 'family', and Disney is so in need of having the book rights that he will do just about anything to accomodate Mrs. Travers, but the characters are simply not just family because they are so close to her heart, it seems that the description is more apt than we are first led to believe. What follows is a combination of the creative team struggling to please both Mr. Disney and Mrs. Travers, and also seeing Travers as she grew up as a young girl in Australia, and what turns out to be the inspiration for characters in her book.

Films about Hollywood have always proved popular, more than 50 years ago, films like "Sunset Boulevard" and "All About Eve" showed the inner workings of the movie making capital. And here we have a look at the making of a Disney Classic, the film is enlightening, entertaining and a real delight to watch.
It beautifully combines humour, especially with the meetings between Disney, Travers and the creative team, there is also a fascinating look at the making of a Hollywood legend of a film, and there are the moving aspects of Travers' childhood.
All these events are brought to life by a wonderful ensemble cast, and leading them are Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks, who both give outstanding performances. Mr. Hanks is already riding high with the success of his work earlier in the year with "Captain Phillips", and now another true life character, and it just goes to further illustrate why he is one of most beloved, respected and bankable actors working in the industry.
Anyone who knows me, will attest as to my admiration for Emma Thompson. An actress whom I have admired for many years, and also a master of the pen, she has added screenwriting to her numerous talents. Like Sandra Bullock, she gives a career best performance as the famous novellist, combining so many emotions, she just lights up the screen when she appears.

From start to finish, two of the best hours of cinema from 2013.......9 out of 10.

 

PS - It is well worth staying til the end of the film, as for anyone interested in P. L Travers, there is a charming little extra during the end credits.