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An Actor's Review of FINDING NEVERLAND
by A.J. (movies profile)
Oct 20, 2007
40
of
49 people found this review helpful
"She went to Neverland, and you can visit her any time you like."
"How?"
"By believing Peter. Just believe."
Finding Neverland, directed by Marc Forster (Monster's Ball), is without a doubt one of the best films of 2004. And, it is definately the most emotionally moving picture of the year. If you want to cry, see this movie!
Johnny Depp has long been one of his generation's greatest actors, although until last year's "Pirates", it seemed as though the general public didn't see it. Well, in Neverland, Johnny proves just how really good he is. A fantastic performance that is sure to be nominated come Oscar time, and a fine portrayal of a man known the world-over, J.M. Barrie. Johnny, welcome to the hearts of the movie-going public. It's about time you got the recognition you deserve.
Kate Winslet is once again amazing. She is definately one of the best actresses working today. So much so, that you don't expect anything less than perfection from her. And she doesn't disappoint. Ever. She will most likely move you to tears, and she did to almost everyone in the viewing I attended.
I was very happy to see Julie Christie in great form again. This amazing actress has been out of the spotlight for quite some time now, and a role such as this, supporting yet meaty in content, should remind the viewing audience just how good she is as well.
However, the name you will hear thrown about, and I sincerely believe this young man will hear his named called on Nomination morning, is Freddie Highmore, as the young boy who inspires the character of Peter Pan. Very few child performances can be called great. Many are good. But the list of great ones is short:
Anna Paquin in THE PIANO
Haley Joel Osment in THE SIXTH SENSE
Henry Thomas in E.T.
to name a few
Well, add Freddie Highmore in FINDING NEVERLAND to the list! Such an amazing job by such a young boy. Fantastic!
The technical aspects are top-notch all around. The Art Direction, Costume Design, Original Score, Cinematography, every one fantastic, and I won't be surprised if many are nominated come Oscar time.
Marc Forster is quickly developing a reputation for pulling amazing performances out of his actors. First Halle Berry in 2002's Monster's Ball, and now, well, the ENTIRE CAST of Finding Neverland is fantastic! Not a bad performance throughout!
The long wait (this film was set to be released last year), was well worth it. Finding Neverland lives up to the hype, and stretches it's potential to become a heartwarming, and many times heartbreaking experience. A great film with so many strong-points, it would take a much longer review to name them all. In my book, definately one of the top 10 of the year. And that's near the top of the top-10 list, too.
My rating: ***1/2 (A) |
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