Finding Neverland

I'm sitting here, whiling time away while I wait for my 2pm shuttle bus so I can go out and change Sing dollars to Malaysian ringgit. (Yes, I have yet to change it, even though the trip is tomorrow)

THE TRIP IS TOMORROW!

I have yet to pack. But it's alright. Used to packing. Always same old, same old.

Twenty minutes ago, an uninvited guest attempted to enter my house. The 'intruder', although small in size, tried to sneak in through my door, but unfortunately (or rather, fortunately), it's head got 'kiap-ed' by the door, and it laid there, motionless.

Yup, it was a snake.

Don't get all-too-terrified yet. It was merely a grass snake. But seriously, the sight of it was :S enough. We called the security guards and they prodded it with a stick. They said it was almost-dead; barely alive. Finally got rid of it.

Imagine it had got in. And anyone of us sat down on the sofa to find this slim and slithery thing... STOP. For everyone's sanity, shall stop.

*Shudders*
~

On to something better. Finally watched one out of three of the DVDs I bought awhile ago at the Sembawang Music Centre closing down sales.

Here's my review of Finding Neverland.

I give the movie:





SYNOPSIS
A critics' darling when it was first released back in 2004, the heartwarming film tells the story of how J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) befriended a family who eventually inspired him to pen his beloved classic, Peter Pan.

Based on true events, the movie focuses on Barrie's evolving friendship with the widowed mother (Kate Winslet) and her sons. While his growing closeness with the family invited his townsmen's gossiping and alienated his own wife, he felt he was happiest and most imaginative when with them. Barrie also took it upon himself to nurture Peter (Freddie Highmore), the emotional child, and to let him realise that sometimes, life can be more magical when you believe in your own imaginations.

PRAISES
Depp's performance here solely anchored the entire movie. Not as crazy or OTT as his other roles (Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka and the upcoming Mad Hatter), he utilized the very humanistic nature of this non-fictional character and created a role that strikes a balance with instances of wild-creativity and a sturdiness befitting of a fatherly-figure.

This was also the movie where the young Freddie Highmore showcased his charm and acting talent to the world - he later moved on with Depp to Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, based on the actor's recommendation after working with him on this film.

The moments of wonder in the film come when the characters immerse themselves into their imaginative worlds. Filmed in fantasy sequences, the audience find themselves in amazement, especially when Peter and the Darlings float off out of the window, providing a beautiful reminder of this well-loved tale.

CRITICAL RECEPTION
The film garnered an impressive 7 nominations at the 2004 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay. Winslet and Depp both scored nominations in the acting category. However, it only took home the Oscar for Original Music Score, which was really a pity.

FINAL SAY: Movies like this are a rare find. A truly magical and touching film that made us wish we can be The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up.
~


Okay! Time to go out.

Take care, people!