DVD | Finding Neverland

I like movies with Johnny Depp in them, hell I even enjoyed 21 Jump Street (in it’s day). He seems attracted to the unusual, challenging roles, and he usually nails them.

Finding Neverland is based on the experiences of author J M Barrie during the time he wrote the children’s classic Peter Pan. Coming off the despair of writing a major flop, Barrie meets a widow and her four boys one day in the park. He finds and instant connection and bonds with the kids, re-kindling his imagination, and helping him discover Neverland.

But the time he spends with the widow and her family has consequences he never dreamed of. (I’m not gonna spoil it for you, you’ll just have to rent/buy the dvd!)

Neverland is an enchanting movie, and the theme of unconditional love and acceptance of children really brought to life Matthew 18 where Jesus extols us to become like little children, and to welcome the children. It’s a sad indictment of adulthood that we often loose the imagination and excitement that we had as children.

Fortunately Depp brings his character to life and creates and believable oasis in a time and society that frowned on such unruly behaviour. Neither action packed nor edge of your seats, Neverland pleases in other ways. It speaks to the heart and leaves you with a feeling of hope.

Trivia
In the scene where the families are sitting down for a formal dinner, and Barrie is entertaining the children, behind the scenes the producers and Depp used a fart machine to make the children laugh more.