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This is a movie that forces us to examine the difference between priorities and responsibilities in our own lives. At what point does it become inappropriate to do good? There are no easy answers in this particular situation, and it's easy to quickly form a black-and-white opinion, only to find that there's a lot of grey. Under the restrictions of the society that he lived in, was it possible for Barrie to maintain his marriage and remain a surrogate father to the boys?

Additionally, we have a movie about the power of imagination. The film portrays Barrie as a revolutionary for his time, a man who loosened up London (and the world) by reminding adults to wonder, not to rob themselves of their childhood. And yet, the film also teaches that adulthood is inevitable-we can't forever pretend we have no responsibilities.

Barrie hanging out with the Llewelyn Davies family

Unlike other films about writers, Finding Neverland beautifully offers a glimpse into the mind of James Barrie, using similar fanciful cinematic techniques as the vaudeville acts in the movie musical Chicago or the tall tales of Big Fish. Like Shakespeare in Love, we see how everyday life inspires writing, both fact and fantasy. The inspiration for Tinkerbell is found while flying a kite. The idea of a hook for a hand is humorously revealed as the boys are scolded. And when the brothers get into a pillow fight before bed, the writer visualizes them flying out their window with nothing but pure joy to keep them afloat. It's fun to see fantasy blend with reality in the mind of an artist, only to become reality in the form of the classic play.

There's much beauty and charm to the film, and much of its strength is due to the actors. Winslet gives her second fine performance of 2004 (Eternal Sunshine was the other), reminiscent of a young Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins. Both Christie and Mitchell deserve credit for making the most of difficult roles, allowing the characters to become likeable and sympathetic despite their frustrating shortsightedness and cold demeanor. But it's Depp that holds the film together, balancing a gentle personality with a child-like playfulness that is almost Chaplin-esque. What fun to see him working with kids-his chemistry with Freddie Highmore (who plays Peter) is so strong, he helped the boy land the title role in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

J.M. Barrie (Depp) getting his inspiration for a story from Peter (Freddie Highmore)

That said, Depp may earn an Oscar nomination, but the film probably won't earn any major trophies. (It was, however, recently given the Truly Moving Pictures Award of Excellence at the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis.) Depp's performance isn't as deep or flashy as his previous work (or Jamie Foxx's performance as Ray Charles this year), and Finding Neverland seems too lightweight and flawed to earn the highest acclaim. It never adequately explains why Barrie and his wife grow apart, or why they never had children of their own. Another thirty minutes would have been welcome to address the film's nuances. Also, no theater producer would ever invest so much into a play without knowing the logistics of what would happen on opening night. And likewise, we all know the cliché of what happens to a pretty woman when she starts violently coughing, right?

But that's the adult in me noting that Finding Neverland is a glass ¼ empty. The more emotionally driven inner child can't help from being swept up in the spirit and imagination expressed in the movie, a charming and dramatic tearjerker that's sweet without resorting to syrup. Though the content is wholesome enough for the whole family, it's really geared for adults seeking to recapture the lost wonder and innocence of youth. It just might inspire you to re-examine the world around you with younger, more whimsical eyes-and also revisit a literary classic.

Talk About It

1. What is the distinction between doing what is appropriate and what is right? How is this applicable to the life of a Christian? Can you think of examples where the public perceptions of society should supercede our own moral compass?
   
   

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