Saving Mr. Banks Movie Review

When Walt Disney releases a motion picture, you know it’s going to be magical and fun. You know you will probably get teary eyed after each film or burst out laughing. But when a film tells the story of how one of Disney’s classic films, you know you’re in for surprises, laughs, tears and a huggable mouse. That is what you get and more with Saving Mr. Banks.

Saving Mr. Banks tells the story of how the classic film Mary Poppins got made. The film brings a lot to the table. It gives us facts about Mary Poppins and the journey Walt Disney took to get it made. But the film really tells the story or should I say journey of the author, P.L. Travers, and her 20 year struggle to let Walt Disney make Mary Poppins into a movie.

The acting is just perfect. Tom Hanks plays a strong yet soft Walt Disney while Emma Thompson brings in all the emotions as P.L. Travers. The supporting cast also managed to do well in the film but one excelled and at times overshadows Hanks and Thompson. Actor Colin Farrell, who plays the drunkard father, was phenomenal in the role. Each time he gets into a frame, you will watch him closely and see his emotions reflect and felt by you. I would also like to give kudos to Paul Giamatti. He plays Ralph the driver who is tasked to take Mrs. Travers from her hotel to the studio. Each scene involving Ralph and Mrs. Travers is a must watch as it gives a look at the other side of the author.

The cinematography of the film brings in those classic country feel even though the film is mostly shot within the Disney Studios. But the way the cinematography was done makes the film smooth. The cinematographer brings out the beauty of each location even if it is just the backseat of a car to the recreation of the old Disneyland. John Schwartzman did a great job on this film’s cinematography.

Even if we are going from flashbacks to the present and back to flashbacks, the story is never lost. The story is perfectly carried through this river of scenes, angles and dialogues and a wonderful score by Thomas Newman. You will never get lost in the changing timeline or the changing characters.

Director John Lee Hancock delivers a great film. Though it has its dull moments, but they are quickly overshadowed by the intense emotion each of the characters reflect. Thompson is truly at her best in this film as you can feel her fear, heart ache and joy. Probably one of the most memorable scenes in the film is in the theater during the premiere of Mary Poppins. You will be brought to tears when that scene comes.

In all, Saving Mr. Banks is a well-made drama built around the world of fun and imagination. It has depth, drama, songs, the laughs and of course Mickey Mouse who also has two memorable scenes with P.L. Travers. This film will make you look differently at Mary Poppins but not in the bad way. You will know the deeper meaning of the iconic character and the journey author P.L. Travers made to write her books.

Saving Mr. Banks is a must watch film. I give it 8 out of 10.