Saving Mr. Banks

SAVING MR. BANKS

From the Director of “The Blind Side” in 2009, John Lee Hancock has done it again.

“Saving Mr. Banks “, is a complex,

heartwarming saga of Walt Disney’s 20 year quest to make P.L. Travers beloved children’s book, “Mary Poppins“, into the most-expensive musical film of its day in the 1960’s. The music, animation and imagination of Walt Disney, played by Tom Hanks (Captain Phillips, 2013) brought the movie “Mary Poppins” to life at the urging of his daughters. He created a movie to live in the hearts of children and adults for decades to come. Another side to the story, showed the difficult time London author,  P. L. Travers, played by award winning  Emma Thompson (Sense & Sensibility, 1995), had in accepting her story as a family movie. Travers was a difficult and controlling individual that didn’t want to change any part of the story, WHATSOEVER. However, due to personal financial reasons, she gave in. The more difficult she became, the stronger the desire for Walt Disney to complete his movie. He bent over backwards and did everything humanly possible to keep the overwrought author happy at all times and at all cost.

An exceptional cast of characters provided outstanding performances and added the life to this enjoyable movie. Colin Farrell (Total Recall, 2012) and Ruth Wilson (Lone Ranger, 2012) played Travis and Margaret Goff in the film. Annie Rose Buckley (Home and Away, 2012) played the Goffs red haired child. Paul Giamantti (Sideways, 2004) played Ralph, the happy limo driver. The tortured screenwriter was played by Don DaGradi (The West Wing, 1999). The abused songwriting team of Richard and Robert Sherman were Jason Schwartzman (Moonrise Kingdom, 2012) and B.J. Novak (The Internship, 2012). Lily Bigham (Seasons, 2012) plays Biddy, Walt Disney’s loyal assistant.

Each of these characters, have their own stories that add the spice to the film. You won’t want to miss this intriguing and mesmerizing movie. 

THE BLONDE: All I can say is, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” What an outstanding, endearing, delightfully wonderful film. I loved the fact that When Walt Disney’s daughters begged him to make a movie of their favorite book, P.L. Travers’ “Mary Poppins,” he made them a promise that he would indeed make it one day. It’s amazing that it took the tenacious Disney 20 years to keep that promise. What we don’t do for our kids!!!! Don’t even get me starting on the superb acting. Everyone was stellar and most enjoyable to watch. I had such a great time watching this film; that I really didn’t want it to end. I loved the way it was written by telling a story within the story.

THE BRUNETTE: I agree. It was an amazing, complex story. I felt as if I was in the room with them experiencing every emotion, and going through the drama with them. I was exhausted and exhilarated by the end of the movie.

THE BLONDE: The film is humorous, artistically crafted and simply put, fabulous mainstream entertainment. I also, must add that I found it to be psychologically deep-rooted which is what gave it and the charters such great storylines to portray.

THE BRUNETTE: Kudos to the Director, John Lee Hancock. He sure knows how to bring out the human complexities of life to the movies he directs.

THE BLONDE: I agree. He has that certain talent. The way he filmed so many close ups was not only intriguing but made the viewer understand the characters emotions vividly. Don’t even get me started on the superb acting. Everyone was stellar and most enjoyable to watch.

THE BRUNETTE: Right on again, Blondie, every single actor seemed to have a complete character that I related to and realized their purpose and contribution.

THE BLONDE: I totally project, Oscar, Oscar, and Oscar for Emma on this one folks. Although her charter is supposed to be uptight, bitter, nitpicky, abstinent and quite impossible to deal with (and she performs it that way), I found her to be charming, adorable and fun to watch. Her comments were priceless. She is no doubt, one of the greatest and versatile actors of our time. What fun she must have had making this film and such a great role to sink her teeth into for sure.

THE BRUNETTE:  I’m going shopping for a new dress just to see her get that award.  I wouldn’t miss this award presentation for anything.

THE BLONDE: As far as the amazingly versatile actor Tom Hanks is concerned; does his acting EVER not hit a home run?

THE BRUNETTE: Oh blondie, how I beg to differ!

THE BLONDE: That is, Blondie with a capital B for you missy! AND OH, you could not be more wrong. Dear Lord, you are so wrong! I not only thought he nailed his portrayal of Disney; but I loved the chemistry between him and Emma. And stop begging it’s not ladylike! Nanny Poppins would be disappointed in that behavior!

THE BRUNETTE: I will agree that he played the role of Walt Disney. He had his lines down, but it was Tom Hanks, not Walt Disney I saw on the screen. I wonder if Leonardo or Johnny Depp could have shown me Walt Disney on the big screen.

THE BLONDE: Oh please, Hanks was sensitive and charming as Disney himself.  However, I do like your casting… if they were 20 years older and 50 pounds heavier.  Oh, go fly out on your umbrella!

THE BRUNETTE: Not to change the subject, but why were you throwing popcorn at the guys head in the row in front of us??

THE BLONDE: Because he saved 4 seats for people that never showed in a sold out movie. I doubt they were coming in the first place. I hate that!!!

THE BRUNETTE: Well, that’s quite un-Mary Poppins of YOU!!!!

THE BLONDE: Good one!!! I always adore watching Paul Giamanti perform in anything he does. In this film in particular, he brings home the point that, “There is no such thing as small parts, just small actors”. He took his small role and turned it into a giant part in the film!

THE BRUNETTE: What a loveable character he played. There was also, a chemistry between him and Emma, did you notice?

THE BLONDE: Totally, but she seems to make everyone who acts with her great. I think she is the one who commands the chemistry. Sometimes, working tediously at odds, together reminds me of a Poppins quote…  “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun”.

THE BRUNETTE: OUCH!

THE BLONDE:  “That will be quite enough of that, thank you”, said Mary Poppins!

THE BRUNETTE: STOP! You’re not always right!!! 

THE BLONDE: As I expected, “The Blonde…practically perfect in every way.”

THE BRUNETTE:: UMMM, I think the quote is, “As I expected. “Mary Poppins practically perfect in every way.”

THE BLONDE:  “Kindly do not attempt to cloud the issue with facts”, to add another one!

THE BRUNETTE: But, they are the facts! To quote the film, I must state, “Say no more, Gov’ner”…. Or in this case…Blonde! I promise I will be good if you stop!!!

THE BLONDE:  “That’s a piecrust promise. Easily made, easily broken“, said Mary.

THE BRUNETTE: Oh dear Lord!!!

THE BLONDE:  Oh Brunette, you know that … “Oh, it fires the imagination!”

THE BRUNETTE: I QUIT!!! In closing…

THE BLONDE: SPOILED SPORT!!

THE BRUNETTE: Nowhere in the film Mary Poppins, is that quote!

THE BLONDE: No, I’m just sayin… SPOILED SPORT LOL!!!  But, hey Brunette… “Lets go fly a kite”!!! LOL… LOL… LOL!!!!! 

THE BRUNETTE: The music team of Sherman and Sherman were so talented and popular for their day. They really put their heart and soul into their work for Disney.

THE BLONDE: They were totally brilliant and creative. I admire them for standing up to Mrs. Travers when no one else seemed to including Disney.

THE BRUNETTE: Walt Disney himself was a fascinating person. He had a charm, imagination and sophistication that people admired and made him so successful.  It’s amazing to me that there haven’t been more movies made about his life.

THE BLONDE: You’re right. I wonder if Disney himself would have liked this film and how everyone was written in the script.

THE BRUNETTE: As long as his beloved Mickey Mouse was in it, I don’t think he would care…

THE BLONDE: In closing…This sweet film was most definitely, “A spoonful of sugar”! Get a bucket of popcorn and sugar candy to watch it. I rate Saving Mr. Banks, a B+. It’s a great family movie for the holiday season! Do run to see this creatively told tale that explains how Mary Poppins ultimately came to be one of the most endearing and beloved films in cinematic history.  

THE BRUNETTE: The correct quote is… Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down”!!!!

THE BLONDE:  “In the most delightful way”… LOL

THE BRUNETTE: UGGGG… WHATEVER!!!!  

I give Mr. Banks a solid B. Family’s, a simple warning. Because of some of the serious content, this film is rated PG13. But, don’t let that hold you back from experiencing this very entertaining movie.

Bravo to all involved in this wonderful piece of film magic.