Review of Saving Mr. Banks (2013) by Eric F — 30 Jul 2014

In 1961, after twenty long years of trying to persuade author P. L. Travers to sign off on the rights to a film version of her book, "Mary Poppins", Walt Disney himself finally convinces her to come and stay in Los Angeles to discuss the subject with him further. Upon arriving, Travers is stubbornly determined to pick and pry at every aspect of the project she finds even remotely disagreeable (about 85% of it, to be truthful); but eventually, she does come around, and the classic Disney film about a nanny with strange, magical powers is immortalized onto the big screen.

In case you haven't already guessed, "Saving Mr. Banks" is a true story. One that boats some of the best acting in any film of 2013, and both it's story and it's dialogue are so well written they... 'soar like kites'.

The two lead roles are particularly well picked: Emma Thompson plays the depressive, no-nonsense author, P. L. Travers, while Tom Hanks portrays the legendary twinkly-eyed producer, Walt Disney. Not only do both of these already highly distinguished actors channel the spirits of the real people that inspired the characters, but their chemistry with one another is like a spectacular storm of talent that hits you from behind and knocks you off your feet.

This story is intimately biographical, as it flashes back and forth between Travers's troubled childhood and her adult self's struggle to allow her characters to be shamed and/or dishonored. With well-established, iconic songs like "A Spoon Full Of Sugar" being sung and performed by the Sherman brothers, the writing (as well as the music itself) will have anyone who fondly remembers watching "Mary Poppins" as a child feel an intense and nostalgic need to sing along with them -- especially in a scene later on in the film depicting the creation of the song "Let's Go And Fly A Kite" (easily the best scene in the film, definitely my personal favorite).

For anyone who loved "Poppins" as a kid or just loves Disney movies in general, "Saving Mr. Banks" is a warm-hearted joy of a sight to behold, and it's strongest suit is that is has very few weak ones.