Right away with the vintage 1960’s Disney opening, I knew this film was going to be something special. Giving a nod to the beloved classic, the film opens in the sky and adds the perfect amount of mysticism with a haunting piano melody of “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” accompanied by Collin Farrell’s recitation of, “Winds in the east, mist coming in, like something is brewing, about to begin, can’t put my finger on what lies in store, but I feel what’s to happen, all happened before.” Based on a true story about the life of P.L. Travers, known for creating and penning the beloved Mary Poppins children’s book series, and Walt Disney’s 20 year struggle to purchase the rights, this film has something to offer everyone.
It’s 1907 and clear that Ginty, Mrs. Travers’ nickname as a child, and her father (Colin Farrell) have a very special relationship. She absolutely adores her father, and he encourages her to daydream, write and think outside the box, much to the dismay of her mother (Ruth Wilson). The family moves from an opulent home in eastern Australia to the rugged, secluded, outback of Queensland, Australia. The children see this move as an adventure, but it soon becomes evident the family is struggling to make ends meet. It’s slowly revealed that Ginty’s father is an alcoholic and is the cause of why the family had to move from means to meagerness in order to find work. While the tension between her parent’s marriage grows more palpable, Ginty continually chooses to see no wrong in her father.
Jump to 1961 and Mrs. Travers (Emma Thompson) is now a formulaic, stubborn and priggish woman. Almost bankrupt with no current plans to write additional stories, she begrudgingly agrees to meet with Walt Disney (Tom Hanks), in L.A. for two weeks, to be part of the script writing and approval process, something he never promised any other author before, in exchange for the rights to Mary Poppins. The film travels back and forth between Mrs. Travers’ childhood in Australia, and present, amidst her battle between the writers and Walt for how the film will be presented. Mrs. Travers has strong opinions about what Disney represents and wants nothing to do with the outlandish, larger-than-life animated characters and musicals Disney was known for at the time.
Thompson absolutely dominates in this film and plays her character to a T. She’s calculating, a perfectionist and clings to routine and archaic methods. As the film reveals more about Mrs. Travers’ past, it’s hard to believe Ginty and Mrs. Travers are the same person. One is full of such hope, optimism and creativity, while the other has grown up to be a begrudgingly cynical, cold and controlling woman. The Sherman brothers (B.J. Novak and Jason Schwartzman), Don DaGradi (Bradley Whitford) and Walt are thrown for a loop as Mrs. Travers makes her expectations clear for what Mary Poppins will and will not become. What ensues is a hysterical game of cat and mouse. Along the way, your heart will warm when you hear the beginnings of popular tunes such as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Feed the Birds” and you may even have a tear in your eye when “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” is finally presented.
I absolutely loved the relationship between Mrs. Travers and her driver, Ralph (Paul Giamatti). Every day, Ralph, embodies the bright and sunny Californian disposition and struggles to chip away at Mrs. Travers icy exterior. Only after they find common ground do you finally understand Mrs. Travers’ sometimes callous motivations. Without giving too much away, the film surprises you by dealing with very real, complex and adult content: loss, atonement and redemption.
In all honesty, watching Saving Mr. Banks will give more background to the hows and whys of the fantastical world of Mary Poppins and will make you want to re-watch the classic. And, now that I’m older, I would argue that Mary Poppins was created to be just as much of an escape for adults as it was a whimsical world for children.
Disney gets is right with Saving Mr. Banks. I’d highly recommend adding this film to your roster of movies to see over the holidays. The acting was superb, the score beautifully accompanied the emotions and themes of the film and it gives you insight into how the magical classic was made. Be sure to stay in your seats during the credits, as you’ll get a glimpse of the real P.L. Travers.
 4 out of 5 reels |
Thoughts on Saving Mr. Banks? Would love to hear what you think!
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Good review Ashley. It flirts around with the idea of being overly sappy and sentimental, but it somehow takes the high-road, and when all was said and done, I somehow found myself tearing up a huge storm. As much as I hate to admit it.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I definitely agree with you. When I saw the preview I thought this could either be a success or really cheesy.
Well done, Ashley…. great review. I’ve been wanting to check this film out for a while now, but it’s not out here for another week or two. Can’t wait – I love films about the making of films.
Hey Rodney, yeah I love movies about how a film gets made too. This one also doubles as a charming biopic as well, which is nice to see!
Thanks, Rodney! I love those types of films as well. At the very end they include a sound bite from one of the creative meetings. Emma was spot on as P.L. Travers!
Great review. Can’t wait to see this.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Yes, you won’t be disappointed!
Great review. It’s one I definitely want to see. Glad to hear it lives up to my expectations.
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it! Absolutely, the film was really beautifully done.
Very nice review, Ashley. I can’t wait to see it. I know Emma Thompson was nominated for a Golden Globe for this; I have always loved her as a Shakespearean actress. I am sure she gives the performance you describe. 🙂
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I just found out about her nomination as well. Emma is more than deserving!
Great review, seeing this over the weekend and I simply cannot wait.
Thanks! Excellent; you’ll have to tell us your thoughts.
I love the movie of Mary Moppins but I’ve never knew about the back story. I mean 20 years just to purchase the rights? Thank God the film ended up being good! Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Mary Poppins…. really looking forward to see this!
I agree. I can’t believe Mary Poppins almost didn’t happen! It was very interesting to see how they created the beloved film.
This sounds interesting and will put on my 2014 list since I haven’t really seen much of anything in 2013 as have had an awful year with a flood and moving apartments and now winter has come. Emma has always been a guaranteed good film as she does hand pick her roles well you are sure to enjoy it. I hope you all have a lovely christmas and season’s greetings of safe travel etc…thank you Ruth for all your hard work and sorry I haven’t been round very much.
I’m very sorry to hear about your misfortunes. I hope things turn around for you in 2014.
Yes, I would definitely put this film on your to see list.
So who exactly is Mr. Banks?
Sorry, I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. You’ll just have to see the film 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to seeing it soon.
Tell us what you think!
I really liked it! 4/5 for me too. 🙂
Ashley, awesome review! I don’t really enjoy sitting in a movie theater, but may have to make an exception. I just watched Mary Poppins all the way through on cable for the first time last week and was pleasantly surprised. I love the concept of of real actors and animated characters combined together I thought the special effects were impressive even now. Also love Hanks and Thompson, but who the heck is Mr. Banks? ;-D
Thanks, Becky! I can’t believe you’ve never seen Mary Poppins before. Well then you are all the more ready to see Saving Mr. Banks!
Nice review. I felt this was a genuinely nice movie as well, and one that definitely sits well as it settles in. Really made me wanna rewatch Marry Poppins, lol! 🙂
Thanks, Chris! I felt the exact same way.
Great review, Ashley! As a huge Disney fan, I can’t wait to see this one!
Thanks! Yes, let me know what you think!
I will 😉
Really enjoyed watching it and like you mention it is nice to hear those melodies being played. I actually did rewatch Mary Poppins the day after I saw this movie 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed it as well! I haven’t had the chance to rewatch Mary Poppins, yet, but it’s on my list!
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