Review of Finding Neverland (2004) by Cameron J — 04 Dec 2011

Before there was the relentlessly vulgar, gratuitously coarse portrait on the consequences of hedonism and depraved promiscuity in the 1600s, 2004 brought Johnny Depp another delightfully charming film about a playwright, only instead syphilis, or the first case of AIDs, or whatever those ungodly things all over his face were that caused his nose to rot off, he's got a bunch kids to hang out with. Wow, it sounds like you could fan-edit "The Libertine" and "Finding Neverland" together, and come out with a Michael Jackson biopic. Okay, maybe not an even mildly accurate one - considering that Johnny Depp is either Scottish or English, either in the mid 1600s or early 1900s and Johnny Depp is most certainly not King of Pop material, as we learned from what he must have thought was a rock opera, "Sweeney Todd" - but hey, it's not anymore inaccurate than this film... I guess. Yeah, I couldn't tell a thing about K.N. Jarrie, except his name; I don't even keep up with "Peter Pan" that much. I mean, I could have watched Steven Spielberg's "Hook", but didn't feel like it, so you know that I'm not crazy about everyone's favorite fantasy character, seeing as I refused to watch the most faithful and well-crafted retel-... I'm sorry; I can't even type that, it's so ridiculous. Speaking of Michael Jackson, they may as well have gotten him to play Peter Pan like they were considering... I guess, because again, not crazy about the Panster. Well, I guess I better start liking him and seeing what all the hype is about, because I'm diggin' on this film about some bum who wrote a kid's book and then hung out with some random family, which isn't to say that I'm looking at something as perfect as Neverland.

Like K.N. Jarrie himself, this film is ever so imaginative and fun, when it's suppose to be. When there are no dancing dog-bears, or Scottish-Indian godfathers, or any other crazy fantasy hybrid being, the film is quiet and rather dull. It's not quite tedious, but the suddenly dull atmosphere is rather bothersome when you compare it to the fantasy parts. Still, you won't have to deal with those boring moments very long before they come in with yet another fantasy, and I know that sounds good and all, but after a while, relief at the return of the magic quickly descends into aggravation, because the film seems all too aware of everyone's desire for more of the fantasy and forgets when to stop. As much as I've complained about the slow spots, they're more problematic than the fantasy spots, because in that department, the film is very repetative, dishing out too many fantasies too many times; and sure, they come up with something new, yet equally fun every time, but after a while, you're checking your watch and wondering just where in the world this film is going. There's slowness and so much repetition in this film that runs but a mere 101 minutes, and by the end of most any film suffering from flaws like that, it's hard not to feel a touch underwhelmed and feeling as though you've seen something pointless. Still, although the film stands to be better and smoother, it's not quite like other films with its flaws, in that it is far from forgettable, not just because that major downer of an ending will probably haunt you for a while, but because while you're in the moment, in spite of the flaws, you're still facing pure entertainment value spawned from many more strengths than missteps.

1903 London comes to life ever so vividly, thanks to the slick production designs. Still, the biggest standout in terms of production, like the rest of the film, is the fantasy aspect of the film, made especially lively by lovely cinematography, as well as some dazzling visual effects that boast that fantasy in an immersively believable fashion. Still, what is consistently mesmerizing about this film is its score, which I might not be very quick deem the best of 2004, but the music of the film remains mesmerizing, yet subtle, and really charms you. The same can be said about the performances, all of which boast charisma and individuality to keep the film going through and through. Still, as you would "imagine", it's Johnny Depp who stands out the most. Man, that guy is charming enough as it is, let alone when he's knocking out a great James McAvoy-rific Scottish accent; but he does more than that, really bringing to life both the brilliance and imagination of K.N. Jarrie-I mean B.L. Tee-I mean... the guy who made "Peter Pan" with his trademark subtlety and grace, which really has you believing in his fantastic mind and leaves you wondering just who he really is. Yet, at the same time, Depp tells you everything you need to know about this late, great playwrite legend to make him an electrically charismatic lead.

Overall, the fantasy is hurt by the harsh reality that this film gets a bit slow when it's not repetative, and that a flaws like that on such a brief film would render it forgettable, but what keeps the fantasy alive and sticking with you the dazzling and imaginative stylistic choices to complement charming and compelling performances from every individual cast member, particularly Mr. Depp, who brings J.M. Barrie's (nailed it) brilliant fantasy and fantastic brilliance to life and carry "Finding Neverland" to its high position as a thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming fantasizing of what spawned Barrie's greatest creation.

3/5 - Good.