Saving Mr. Banks Review

Have you ever wondered about the stories behind the creation of films? I know I have. Many times, I think about how many people it must take working at their hardest to get a movie made. Not just made, but made well. I also ponder that there must be some films with extraordinary stories behind the making of them. Stories that are worth telling. Saving Mr. Banks does just that; it tells the special story behind the creation of the film adaption of Mary Poppins. And let me tell you, it's a real treat of a movie.

So, just in case some of you are unaware of what Saving Mr. Banks is about, it is, as I said, the story behind the making of the film Mary Poppins. The specifics of the tale will probably come as a surprise to most of you, as it did to me. I was certainly ignorant as to the real meaning of P.L. Travers' classic novel and its film adaption.

Emma Thompson stars as the author of the Mary Poppins novel, P.L. Travers, and I must say, it's a fantastic performance; probably good enough for a Best Actress nomination and perhaps even a win. It was truly a special turn by Thompson. Opposite her stars Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. He is one of my favorite actors of all-time, and while he doesn't steal the show, he does a great job in his role. It won't be remembered as the best performance of his career - or even of the year - but I'm not sure there was a better choice to portray Disney. Those two are marvelous together.

The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast, with Paul Giamatti, Colin Farrell, Jason Schwartzman, and B.J. Novak all appearing in significant roles. All of them do a really nice job. I feel like I'm repeating myself about the cast doing a good job, but it's true; they are all very good. The movie is impeccably cast, and there wasn't one performance I found to be less than above average.

Saving Mr. Banks is a thoroughly charming film. There wasn't one moment where I wasn't captivated by the performances and the story. I was never bored during its 2 hour running time. It kept me entertained, but also emotionally invested, more so than I was expecting. If you aren't moved even a little bit by this movie, than you'll be hard-pressed to find a movie that does move you. It's one of those films that pulls on your heartstrings, sometimes in unexpected bursts of emotion. There were multiple moments where I nearly started crying, and at least one time where I really did cry.

Going in to the film, I was expecting a light-hearted Disney movie that's great for the whole family. However, I would say that is an inaccurate description of Saving Mr. Banks. It is probably fine for you to bring your kids to, I'm not saying it isn't. But, I'm not entirely sure they'll be able to enjoy or appreciate it very much, especially the younger ones. It is in many ways made for adults. For instance, the story about Travers' father is somber and ultimately rather dark. I won't spoil it for those who have yet to see it, but I must say, I was a bit taken aback by the film's sometimes weighty tone.

Now, that isn't to say Saving Mr. Banks is humorless, or without joy to be had in it. In fact, the exact opposite is true. There were plenty of funny, light-hearted moments where I couldn't help but smile. That just isn't the main attitude of the film. It is, when it comes down to it, a sad story.

For fans of the Mary Poppins film, this will be an early Christmas. There were plenty of nods to memorable moments in the classic film, and we get to witness the creation of the many songs we know and love. My favorite scene in the film comes at a time when one of the more emotionally resonant songs in Mary Poppins is first being written, and the writers - along with Travers - are singing and dancing around the room. I couldn't help but feel a deep, piercing feeling of nostalgia as I remembered watching Mary Poppins as a child with my family, and singing along with the actors. This wasn't the only time I felt nostalgic. There was kind of a thread of nostalgia and fond memories that coursed through this movie. It was at this particular scene, however, when everyone was happily engrossed in the song, that I felt a very special connection with this movie. It was one of the best moments I've had in a theater this year. And for that, I must commend and thank Saving Mr. Banks.

I'm trying to think of something wrong with the film. Only one thing comes to mind, and that is the fact that people who disliked Mary Poppins will find it to be a waste of a movie, and a bit self-indulgent and pretentious. I doubt many people who don't like Mary Poppins will like Saving Mr. Banks. However, for those who are fond of Mary Poppins, or are just passionate for cinema, it is a rare treat, and one of the best movies of 2013. I felt emotionally spent after my viewing of Saving Mr. Banks; better spent than I've felt all year.

Conclusion

Saving Mr. Banks is an instant classic among Mary Poppins fans and fans of film alike, thanks to tender direction and a number of heartfelt performances. A truly special story is brought to the big screen in remarkable fashion. This is an earnestly charming and utterly affecting film, and one of my favorite of the year. 

Rating: 9.5/10