When I saw the trailer to this movie, I was amazed but at the same time I was a tad bit nervous on how the film's going to do and if I'm going to like it. It has an interesting concept on a true story but since it's done by Disney, I felt like we were going to get something a little to Disneyfied and make it less true and corny. After finally seeing it in theaters, I'm now going to share my thoughts on the film. So "Spit Spot" and ON WITH THE REVIEW...
The film tells the story about the author of "Mary Poppins" named P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) about struggling and refusing to give the rights to her book to Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) so they can make a musical live action film based on it. Throughout the film, we see P.L. Travers record her meetings and see the makers in the process of development for the film to try and please her while Travers refuses and dislikes the many changes to her story. We also get to see her life as a child and learn about what "Mary Poppins" means to her and where she came from.
Emma Thompson (Who previously played a "Mary Poppins" knock off called "Nanny Mcphee") is outstanding for her role. While being a classy yet firm woman, she's still likable and a person you can definitely feel for and understand. The scenes when she doesn't approve most of the things that made the movie "Mary Poppins" great are interesting and funny while at the same time both sad and heartbreaking NOT just for the fans of the film that grew up with it but also heartbreaking to see P.L. Travers life's work and personal ego to her life become something that's nothing to how she would want it. That's a very risky and interesting subject for the Disney Company to actually talk about and show the struggles and the hate that P.L. Travers had with the film that's a Disney classic and perhaps maybe the "Citizen Kane" of live action Disney films. I'm glad Disney was honest about her image and dislikes on the film while also making her a relatable, respectable and a likable person instead of a mean and grouchy tyrant. This film and portrayal of her is Disney's way of showing respect for her.
Tom Hanks as Walt Disney was a huge surprise for me. While excited that Hanks was going to play Disney, I was kind of nervous that the Disney Company was going to make him all sweet and jolly which would make Travers look like a mean woman. On top of it, while looking at the trailer a few times, I had trouble seeing Hanks as Walt because he looked like he was playing dress up. When I finally saw him in the film, I was speechless! Yeah, a few times I saw him as Hanks in a costume but for the majority of the film I actually believed that he was Walt Disney and actually did most of the time separate the actor from the character. On top of it and what really pleased me is I loved that Disney decided to show Walt's flaws and faults. He can be tough and backstabbing at times, he drinks, they hint him smoking and getting ill from it and he even swears. Dude, that's a part of Disney that we'd never see from the company eons ago. While showing his faults, they do make him likable and respectable as we know him and bring his Uncle Walt charm. All this is the Walt Disney that I think is the true Walt. As for the whole racism and frozen head rumors and such, well I'm sure he can be a real tyrant and make a few or heck a bunch of tasteless comments but calling him a cold hearted racist man, I don't believe it. I'm not saying he's a saint but I don't think he's all that bad either, I think he's human. Even if he was I still wouldn't care, he still left a huge impact, legacy and influence's that's not going to die any time soon and should be celebrated for it's greatness and influence. Anyway, that's my personal opinion and view but I digress.
The flashback sequences. Well I'm going to be honest, I don't think it's as bad as critics make it. Granted, it looks like a corny "Halmark" film made for TV and is maybe to whimsical at points but with that said, it's still really powerful. The acting is great and powerful, epically from Collin Farrell as the father and the actress playing the young P.L. Travers. It's very interesting, fun and insightful to see the inspiration of "Mary Poppins" and what it mean to her. The cute moments between her and her Father while a bit corny at times are still beautiful and touching scenes. The sadness and emotions that revolve around her Father are very sad, depressing and even a bit disturbing and graphic at times in Disney standards. On top of it, this sequence also brings us closer to Travers and making us understand why she hates the changes that the Disney Company's going to make.
The film itself has tons of things that people and Disneyjunkies will enjoy. You'll see dozens of references to the Disney company at the time that this film is taking place in and lots of "Mary Poppins" references in both film and literature. The sets really make you feel like you're in each time period, epically the look of the old fashioned Disney Studio. The supporting characters such as the secretary's, Paul Giamatti as the Limo driver, the real Mary Poppins of Travers life and the Sherman Brothers are all great and fun characters and every actor fits their role perfectly. The cinematography and score is really great and gives the film a great look, feel as well as giving it a wonderful atmosphere. My personal favorite scene in the whole entire movie is when Walt tells Travers about his early life and never ever wanting to sell Mickey as well as understanding what she is going through. It's a really well acted and powerful scene. Like every historic or biography film, there's going to be some fiction somewhere in it and yes the film does indeed have it's shares. Come on, did you actually think P.L. Travers and Walt went to Disneyland together or heck did you think P.L. Travers actually danced around with everyone to the song "Let's Go Fly A Kite"? Well while having it's fictional moments, it still fits with in the context of the film and the film did at least get most of the story right. As for the ending, without giving to much away it does hint at her true reactions to the film but the way it's done will lead most audiences who don't know the true story thinking it's the opposite reaction when it really isn't. By the way, stay for the credits and you'll hear a real tape recording of the real P.L. Travers.
Overall this movie was better than I expected it to be. The acting's incredible, the story is fantastic and insightful despite some fictional aspects to the film, it's a lot of fun and on top of it made risks that Disney back then would never tackle on. It's a great film and for those who are wondering if I still like the classic "Mary Poppins" film, I think it's "Practically perfect in every way" in it's own right. Be prepared to relive your childhood and see what's behind the curtain because this film is for the older crowd and I'm sure the adults and people who grew up with this classic film will indeed love this film.
RATING 5/5
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