Saving Mr. Banks

I had originally posted this review on my facebook page for my friends to read. I was very excited to see this film for many reasons. I was working at the Disneyland Resort when John Lee Hancock filmed on location there. Since I was not working that morning, a buddy and I went to snoop around the filming area. We chatted with an extra at the end of the shoot. After leaving my buddy to meet up with someone else, I get a text from her saying I had just missed Tom Hanks. Gutted. If you look closely in the photo, Colin Hanks is there too! But still grateful to be present on that day. I am very passionate about Walt Disney's purpose and legacy. His big dreams have impacted many lives, including my own. This film is a gem!
PHOTO CREDIT TO Carmela Perez.

Facebook post:
Saving Mr. Banks was brilliant! Emma Thompson has really outdone herself! Perfect performance! You hated her and you empathized with her. Tom Hanks delivered well as Walt Disney. Some have said they both have the same twinkle in their eyes. I think it's more. They both have compassion and presence. A near polar opposite of P. L. Travers. In this we learn what made her the woman she is, but also how she grew up. I appreciate that certain elements of P. L. Travers were incorporated into Julie Andrews character Mary Poppins. Saving Mr. Banks adds depth, complexity and relate-ability to Mary Poppins.

Paul Giamatti had a smaller role than expected for his large hollywood name. However he did not disappoint. His role, although small, was very memorable. His character is the first to befriend P.L. Travers.

Colin Farrell too was excellent. I usually don't care for the films he makes. I always hope to see actors do what they are not used to. EX Kindergarten cop. In this Colin was fun, exciting, charming, and relate-able. When we understand Mrs. Travers' relationship with her father, we reflect on our own loved ones. Only then do we feel empathy for Mrs Travers, and forgiveness in ourselves. I love that during the credits they played a recording of the real Mrs. P. L. Travers and creators doing their first script read through. If you appreciate Mary Poppins now, you will more than appreciate her after seeing this film.

Julie Andrews, Walt Disney, and P.L. Travers