Directed by John Lee Hancock, the film stars Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Bradley Whitford, and Paul Giamatti. For twenty years, Walt Disney (Hanks) has tried to acquire the rights to the children's' book Mary Poppins, but thr headstrong author, P.L. Travers (Thompson), refuses to sell it, until she finally agrees to a visit to Walt Disney studios in Los Angeles in 1961. Conflict and disagreements arise between Travers and the film's creative team, threatening to shut down the project for good. Throughout the film, flashbacks transport the viewer to Travers's childhood in Australia, illustrating the author's close relationship with her father and the inspiration behind her iconic character. Although rated PG-13, the film is absolutely appropriate for older kids (I watched with my ten-year-old brother). Although its great that an intelligent family film is contending this awards season, the film sometimes comes off as a little too sweet and likable; I'm sure the actual filmmaking process wasn't so sugarcoated. Nevertheless, the film is boosted by Thompson's outstanding performance. Hanks, Whitford, Giamatti, and Farrell are also wonderful in supporting roles. Other positives include the lovely and humorous screenplay, catchy musical sequences (although its not a musical!), and romantic scenery of 1960s Los Angeles and the Australian outback. It's the feel good movie of the year.
Should you see it: Yes
Grade: B+
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