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| Reviewed by Suzie Johnson |
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the movie, Saving Mr. Banks. From the
previews, I knew the subject matter surrounded one of my favorite movies, Mary
Poppins, and my all-time favorite movie maker, the iconic Walt Disney. Also
from the previews, I could see that Walt Disney had meetings with PL Travers,
the author of Mary Poppins, and that Mr. Disney coaxed Mrs. Travers onto a ride
at Disneyland.
So this movie appeared to be about a writer. And she went to Disneyland,
with Walt himself.
That’s all I needed to know. I absolutely couldn’t wait to see this
movie.
When I was little I was fearless. I used to climb the steps to the tallest
playground slide – the one for the bigger kids – in the snow. I’d stand up on
the platform, and instead of sliding down, I’d jump off the side with my
umbrella open and pretend I was Mary Poppins. My landing was always less than
graceful, but it didn’t matter. I loved Mary Poppins. I owned the record album based on the movie, and knew by heart, and
still know, all the songs from the movie.
This was a movie that was sure to capture both the child, and the writer,
in my heart. This movie would be perfect.
Oh, yeah.
The premise of the movie is that Walt Disney’s daughters fell in love
with the children’s books about the magically wonderful nanny. They loved Mary
Poppins so much they begged their daddy to make her story into a movie. The
only obstacle was the author herself. She did not want her beloved nanny Disneyfied. Fast forward twenty years, and she’s
now in meetings with Mr. Disney. That’s when the movie begins.
There are a lot of elements missing from the movie’s previews, and you
won’t read about them here. You need to experience them for yourself to gain a
deeper understanding for PL Travers, Walt Disney, and Mary Poppins.
The scenes between Walt Disney and Mrs. Travers were priceless. Those,
as well as the other scenes that made this movie stellar, would be spoilers and
I can’t bring myself to do that.
Mrs. Travers insisted all of her meetings with Disney and the Sherman
brothers be recorded. She was indeed a pill to work with. There are moments during
these scenes when you’ll think, “I really don’t like her.” But as the layers
are peeled away, you’ll soon wonder why you ever felt that way.
One scene in particular, between Mrs. Travers and the Sherman brothers,
the composers who did the music for Mary Poppins and countless other movies, was
the first of many scenes to bring tears to my eyes.
Oh, did I forget to tell you that you should bring some Kleenex? Even
the most cynical heart will need it.
Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, Paul Giamatti, are all unforgettable in this
film. Each owned their role, but Tom Hanks truly embodied the role Walt Disney.
It was easy to be swept up in the magic these three actors created together.
Clips of Disneyland and 1960s Hollywood gave flavor to the film, as did
Walt Disney’s favorite mouse. Mickey appears more than a few times in the
movie, and managed to deepen my love for him.
Also, there's some guy named Colin in the film, a guy many of my friends
have raved about a time or three. Personally, I wasn’t that familiar with him,
and wouldn’t have recognized a picture of him. Please don’t throw your shoes at
me. After seeing this movie, it’s a guarantee I’ll never forget Colin Farrell. Remember
what I said before about Kleenex? You’ll need lots.
For most of the movie, the theater was silent, seemingly breathless,
and when it was over, no one moved from their seats. And after the credits,
before the audience slowly made their way out, they gave their approval in the
best way possible: resounding applause.
Saving Mr. Banks truly was a wonderful movie, and I’m looking forward
to seeing it again. When it comes out on DVD, it would be lovely if they paired
it in a box-set with Mary Poppins.
Did you ever read the Mary Poppins books?
Do you have a favorite song from the movie, Mary Poppins?
Susan Diane Johnson recently
sold her third novel, and first historical, Sweet
Mountain Music, to WhiteFire Publishing. Her first two novels, True North (January 2014), and No Substitute (available now), are both
contemporary inspirational novels with The Pelican Book Group. Suzie is a wife, mother, and a
cancer registrar at her local hospital. She lives close to her mother, on an
island in the Pacific Northwest, with her husband and their naughty little cat.
Absolutely wonderful review, Suzie. Maybe even your best ever. I like how you gave us the flavour of the film without giving away the sweet spots.
ReplyDeleteAnd that pic of the record album cover brought back memories of playing it with Crystal on her portable record player - you know, the one foot square ones which opened flat and the record was wider than the player? :)
Thank you for this review. I'm looking forward to seeing it. Perhaps even with grown up Crystal if she can make it home in January like she's planning.
Thank you, Anita. You're so sweet. I really appreciate you. :) And I do hope you get to see it with Crystal. That will be so special. And yes, I know exactly which record player you're talking about. :)
DeleteOh, I SO want to see this movie. I've heard nothing but raves about it.
ReplyDeleteI saw a clip where the Shermans were demo-ing a song for her, and she complained that one of the words isn't a real word. Then one of them surreptitiously slides the sheet music for "Supercalifragilistiexpialidocious" out of sight.
Thanks for the review. Can't wait to see!
Yes, that was a great scene, DeAnna. Those guys went through a lot, and I can say that I'm truly thankful they endured, and that Walt Disney was persistent because Mary Poppins certainly brought magic and inspiration into my life. I can't wait to hear what you think of the movie.
DeleteI'm going the minute I can take a break! :D
DeleteI hope to see this movie as well -- I know I will eventually. I had an original album as well so I knew all the songs. Feed the Birds, Tuppence a bag... so lovely. I wish they'd bring Mary Poppins the theater. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Can't believe they didn't do this and take advantage of the baby boomers (and their grandchildren!)
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued as to where Colin Ferrel fits in to a Disney ish movie! ha ha.
Deb, I absolutely cannot tell you where he fits in. In fact, if you start to read a review that reveals it - don't read it! I think it's an important element that should only be revealed during the movie.
DeleteI think my niece told me that Tuppence A Bag was Walt Disney's favorite song from the movie. Yes, it would be awesome to see it in the theater. Wow. I can only imagine it. That is such a great idea.