By Renee’ Collins
Rating: 5 (Out of 5 Reels)
The choice of Tom Hanks as Walt Disney and Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers is spectacular because they are two of the best actors on the planet in my opinion. Author P. L. Travers reflects on her difficult childhood while meeting with filmmaker Walt Disney during production for the adaptation of her novel, Mary Poppins.
I have seen and enjoyed the movie Mary Poppins and now I like it all the more because learning the turmoil Disney want thought to make it happen is mind boggling and eye opening. Travers was relentless regarding how her story was to be told in all aspects. She made Disney record all the brainstorming sessions to make sure they knew what she wanted. It is fascinating to watch Travers transform during the process of working out the particulars of the film because the story she wrote is based off of her family members which she still harbors strong emotions.
Hanks and Thompson shine in this film and are perfectly cast in their roles. One thing that did bother my movie buddies is that Thompson is a bit too young to portray Travers who was born in 1899 but that didn’t bother me at all because her performance is exceptionally well done. Colin Farrell is equally spectacular as Travers father in the flash back scenes as well as many other supporting roles in this film.
As a whole this film is a spectacularly well-made and acted film and I would recommend it to anyone. However, save a few bucks and see a matinee because it is well worth the price.