Hi, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab...
Will this one be too sweet-natured for Oscar? Will people try to read something dirty into the relationship between Barrie and the boys? Time will tell, but for now, here are two brief looks at Johnny Depp’s new film:
Howdie Harry, from the Great White North,
So, last week, while buying tickets for the Sneak Peek of Team America, my wife and I were approached by a middle aged man with a clipboard. Fearing a sales pitch coming, I immediately put on my "please don't bother us" face. Fortunately he did not see it, and proceeded to ask if we wanted to see a special screening of a movie staring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet the following weekend. My wife, being the Entertainment Tonite/Access Hollywood/Extra queen she is, shot back "Oh, the one about Peter Pan". Seeming somewhat surprised, the drone took down our phone numbers, gave us some invites, and told us to show up the following Saturday (today) at around 9:30am. No problem, even though I usually like sleeping in on Saturdays, I can get up for a free movie.
So this morning, we get to the Winston Churchill AMC bright and early, to find out they've set aside the two largest theaters for the Sneak, allowing about 1000 people to see it in all. I was a little surprised at the number of young kiddies in the theater, after all, this was supposed to be a fairly serious movie with Oscar buzz for the lead. It became apparent to me afterwards, when we got the questionnaire why this was however.... more on that later.
My overall impression is very positive. As always, Mr. Depp is great, playing a more subdued role than we usually see him in, as J. M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, who gets his inspiration from the friendship he has with some newly fatherless children. Kate Winslet is also great playing the mother of said children, while keeping a secret from them, and also herself. I wont go into the story too much, but will say it follows a fairly formulaic path, though since I'm not aware if this is based on fact or not, will not hold that against it. Where the power of this movie really lies is in the performances of the main characters, and in how the fantasy sequences are integrated into the story. On the performances side, the boys, are really what stood out for me (after all, we always expect greatness from Johnny and Kate). The power of seeing these young characters deal with becoming adults before their time was a real wonder. One scene where, as the Barrie character says, one of the boys grows up in a 30 second period put a lump in my throat. On the fantasy side, the sequences brought to mind those from another Kate Winslet movie, Heavenly Creatures. Seamlessly played into the movie and showing how the Barrie character drew from his friendship with the boys in creating the world of Neverland.
I think the Oscar talk for Depp is on the nose. Though I prefer some of his more "out-there" performances like in Fear and Loathing and Ed Wood, I know this is more up the Oscar alley, so to speak.
Now to the questionnaire we had after the movie. As I stated, I was wondering at the amount of children in the theater. Though the movie was about the coming together of the play Peter Pan, and while there were 4 children in key roles, the movie did deal with decidedly adult topics. Death and family conflict are front and center, and though I don't think these topics are beyond children, put that together with some slow, character driven scenes set in 1904 England and you have a formula for some bored children, which I saw reflected in how many of them acted. Fully half the questionnaire was about "family" and how children would react. I find it a little odd that since this movie has been waiting for almost a year to be released, that Miramax is still a little unsure on how to market the movie. They obviously want to try and sell it as a family movie, but I'm not sure that it should be.
So, to end this up. Great movie, great performances. Very character driven. The true surprise is the performances of the children.
Thanks for your time.
Please call me. Mr FedEx
And a brief one:
Hey Harry,
I'm a very big fan of the sight (been following it since 99) and I can't wait to attend another great shindig in Austin (Freddy vs. Jason ROCKED). I thought I'd take this opportunity to tell you about "Finding Neverland."
First of all, let me say that Johnny Depp's Fans in London are Outrageous. I had soccermoms and little teenie bopper bitches going head to head for a spot in front of the barachades (did I spell that right?). Well the experience was very different. Johnny and Kate were fashionably late, but were very loyal to their english fanbase. They stayed out with the fans for nearly 30 min past showtime. And might I say that Kate Winslet has never looked yummier.
The film of course was introduced by Marc Forster and the entire cast. As you already know, the film was delayed a year, so the movie's young cast members had sprouted a bit.
Okay, the film. The movie was beautiful . There's something about Johnny Depp and beautiful imagery in films (Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, and now this). Johnny's Barrie totally blew me away. There will definitley be those who will see this movie and think "Sentimental crap". As for myself, I loved it.
The film follows J.M. Barrie's journey to creating Peter Pan, and the family who inspired him. Kate gave a beautiful performance, and I think this is probably better than her portrayal of Rose (titanic). Johnny's portrayal made me really understand that children are forced to grow up so quickly.
There is a different meaning for everyone in this movie. Whether it be eternal youth, undying love, or just a clear understanding of life. It is really a beautiful film. Probably my favorite part of the film was when J.M. Barrie's 25 guests arrive for Peter Pan's opening night.
I have a niece and nephew and I hope that Barrie's story helps them to keep that bit of youth and magic alive in them forever. Maybe this movie will awaken yours.
Anyone, adult or child should see this film. Oh, and bring some tissues.
call me OrionRiddle
Thanks, guys.
"Moriarty" out.
