message in the movies By Rev. Bruce Batchelor Glader

                       
Finding Neverland   Rated PG
 Directed by Marc Forster. Starring Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet

Photo © Miramax Films
The twentieth century is just beginning and British playwright J. M. Barrie (Depp) is in a bit of a rut.  His latest play is getting bad reviews and his marriage seems to be simply marking time.  One day, while walking in the park, he meets a group of young boys with their recently widowed mother, Sylvia Davies (Winslet).  As Barrie begins to imagine fantasies for them to act out together, their games become the framework for what would become Peter Pan, his greatest work of art.  Life is never simple, of course, and the world is watching and wondering why this man is spending so much time with this widow and these boys and not enough time with his own wife.  But there is magic and wonder in their time together, and power in make-believe to heal the deepest grief.  Finding Neverland is a film about the creative process, the joy of childhood, and the ways in which people in need make the connections that will help them to save their own lives.  The outstanding cast (which also includes Julie Christie and Dustin Hoffman), impressive art direction and lovely musical score combine to make an emotionally and spiritually moving fable.  Young Freddie Highmore as Peter Davies is simply wonderful.  This is a beautiful and memorable film, one of the year’s best.

Pitchfork Rating: Five halos  (A story about how life becomes art and how art can transform life; a celebration of creativity and new beginnings.)  One pitchfork. (One mild occasion of a vulgar word.)

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