Finding Neverland

Pros: Depp and cast, Forster's direction, story

Cons: Some may object to language used in a situation early in the film

The Bottom Line: Take a journey to Neverland.

Review: Playwright James M. Barrie sometimes saw critical acclaim for his work elude him. At the premiere of one of these plays, Barrie (Johnny Depp) watched eagerly for an audience response. His producer, Charles Frohman (Dustin Hoffman), would like to see ...

Pros: Excellent acting, never over-the-top into maudlin or sugary territory

Cons: Made me cry at least once

The Bottom Line: Not a single Michael Jackson joke. I promise.

Review: One of the exciting things about being a parent of young children is that you never get to see movies in the theatre anymore. I used to see two movies a week, now we're down to two per year. That means sometimes, maybe once per month, my wife and I ...

Pros: Excellent cast and brilliant visuals

Cons: Takes some fictional liberties with the real life story

The Bottom Line: Finding Neverland is the best movie of 2004.

Review: Finding Neverland is loosely based on the real life story of J.M. Barrie, the author who wrote Peter Pan. This movie is sort of like a cross between Shakespeare in Love and The Neverending Story. Barrie was married at the time, but ...

Pros: great acting, cinematography, score, tender story

Cons: questions as to its historical accuracy

The Bottom Line: Peter Pan fan, Johnny Depp fan, Freddie Higmore fans... fans of a good story, don't miss it.

Review: Last year, I watched Two Brothers and fell in love with Freddie Highmore, the English answer to H aley Joel Osment. I soon learned he was set to star with Johnny Depp in ...

Pros: great story, great dialogue, great performances

Cons: not enough explosions to satisfy a 12-year-old

The Bottom Line: This is a film for grown-ups and children at heart. Oh, and Ben Affleck isn't in it.

Review: We live in sick times. How sick? Consider what the term, "Neverland" means to the average American. Unless you just crawled off the boat - or have been living Amish, it means two things: (1) a song about child abuse; or (2) the Jacko ranch, or as ...

Pros: Depp, promotes the power of imagination while acknowledging that sometimes you must face reality

Cons: other actors can't match Depp, a few bits that impose visuals of imaginary scenes

The Bottom Line: Imagination rules and Depp is king of all he surveys.

Review: All children, except one, grow up. These immortal words by J.M. Barrie begin one of the most famous children's stories ever written. They are your entree into Neverland, a world filled with pirates and mermaids and boys who fly, a world fueled by pure ...

Pros: Brilliant performance from Johnny Depp and a fantastic supporting cast

Cons: Does not let the facts stand in the way of a good story

The Bottom Line: A bittersweet tale filled with magic and wonder. While fact based rather than factual, it provides a better understanding of playwright James Barrie and his creation, Peter Pan.

Review: Take the first star to the right and straight on until dawn... ...

Pros: Outstanding performances and a nice look at how art is inspired and created.

Cons: It's a manipulative tear-jerker...but so well done we welcome the manipulation!

The Bottom Line: It's nice to have a movie this rich and mature that can also be enjoyed by older children.  Share it with the family.

Review: DISCLOSURE: This review was originally written during opening weekend of the movie. I have not changed it, as my feelings haven't altered over time on this one.A criticism frequently leveled against Finding Neverland is that it isn't ...

Pros: a gentle and moving story

Cons: none

The Bottom Line: a warm and moving portrayal of an authors inspirational play and a regained youth

Review: As is often the case with famous authors, many people will be familiar with their literary output but know very little about their creator. Finding Neverland addresses this imbalance in the case of J.M. Barrie, author of one of the most famous children's ...

Pros: the story and performance

Cons: very little

The Bottom Line: Very heartfelt, doesn't require much in the way of special effects.

Review: This story is based on James Barrie, the playwright best known for Peter Pan and it is one of the best films that I’ve seen this year, despite receiving next to no hype or marketing push. James Barrie (Johnny Depp) is a playwright, successful enough ...