Saving Mr. Banks is a PG-13 Disney film. Do not take young kids. P.L.
Travers wrote Mary
Poppins, a book beloved by children and parents alike. This was
her baby and she refused Walt Disney's request for rights for 20 years. However
in 1961, she needed money to maintain her life. Thus Mrs. Travers (played by
the impeccable Emma Thompson) crosses the Atlantic to discuss the Mary Poppins
movie. She insists on no animation, no cavorting penguins, no songs, etc. Let's
just say the meetings don't go well.
Slowly Walt (Tom Hanks) has to
figure out her angle. What's the real scoop behind Mary Poppins, the flying
nanny? In a series of flashbacks, we see the child, Helen, interact with her
charming but alcoholic father (Colin Farrell). Ultimately who arrives to save
him, the kids, the mother, and the father? In peeking behind the scenes, we see
Mrs. Travers' vulnerability. As she stiffens her lip and refuses to sign over
rights, Mr.Disney works harder to penetrate her emotions.
Hanks and Thompson are actors beyond
peer. The give and take banter is superb, and ultimately the Sherman brothers'
song "Let's Go Fly a Kite" melts her heart. For all of us who know
the beloved Mary Poppins
movie - this Saving Mr.
Banks is a gem. For anyone who appreciates writing, this movie
shows the depth of love for a created character.
Stay through the credits and you
will hear actual taped conversation of P.L. Travers at the Mary Poppins
meeting. It is uncanny. Emma Thompson absolutely nailed the character. This is
an example of the power of film and storytelling. Huge thumbs up for
adults who love Disney. Get a babysitter for your kids.
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