Saving Mr Banks

Cast: Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, Annie Rose Buckley, Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti and B.J Novak.

Director: John Lee Hancock

Release Date: 2013

Running Time: 2hrs 5 minutes

Genre: Biography/Drama

Rating: PG

Format: Blu-Ray

Synopsis:

The story of how author P.L Travers unwillingly met Walt Disney, her reflections on her childhood and how Walt Disney turned one of her books into one of the most beloved musicals of all time, Mary Poppins.

Very rarely do we get to see what truly inspired Walt Disney (Hanks) into making one of his films. Set in 1961, P.L Travers (Thompson) has simply run out of money, her only option is to sell her book to Walt Disney who hopes to turn it into a big blockbuster musical, very much to her dislike. Walt Disney on the other hand is eager to meet her. At the same time we are shown reflections on P.L Travers childhood, although at the time known as Ginty (real name Helen Lyndon Goff), nicknamed by her father (Farrell) Travers Goff.

P.L Travers was born in 1899, Queensland, Australia. Her father Travers Goff was an unsuccessful bank manager due to his terrible battle with alcoholism, eventually he was demoted to the position of a bank clerk. In 1905, they relocated to Allora, which is very nicely where the film pretty much begins. It's a shame John Lee Hancock chose not to explain where the family are located in the film, although one can only guess, judging by the scenery.

Emma Thompson delivers a magnificent performance as author P.L Travers. A very irritable and pernickety woman who believes Walt Disney is turning her book into something it's not. Thompson not only looks the role but is truly wonderful in character. Annie Rose Buckley stars as young Pamela known as Ginty. Annie Rose delivers a very charming and innocent performance, she shares a very loving relationship with her father, however as his addiction gets worse, so does their father/daughter bond. This is explained perfectly through out the course of the film, you start to understand where P.L Travers came up with the characters in the book and who they are based on.

Tom Hanks is remarkable and uncanny as the man himself Walt Disney. An enthusiastic and caring man who promised his daughters that he'd make their favourite book "Mary Poppins" into a film. Walt Disney and Travers share a very frustrating friendship during their time together, going through scripts, writing songs, designing characters. You may spot a few familiar faces. Paul Giamatti is excellent as Travers driver, escorting her to Walt Disney Studios everyday from her hotel. Always so gracious and kind, he too shares a frustrating friendship with her.

Beautifully shot in the Disneyland Park and in California. The production design is magical and charming. The film reminisces between the present day (1961) and her childhood. Her childhood being set in Australia (although not always so clear) works beautifully with the story, you get a real understanding of why she became woman she is and the kind of upbringing she had. Not only is the story magnificently heartwarming it comes with a tremendous soundtrack, one of which of course you'll recognise. It's wonderfully fascinating to see how the songs were written and what inspired them.

Charming, warm and fantastically entertaining! You'll find yourself seeing "Mary Poppins" in a whole new light.

5.5 stars