"Saving Mr. Banks" gives the backstory of the creating of the Disney classic film "Mary Poppins". Emma Thompson plays P.L Travers, the writer of the Poppins books. Tom Hanks portrayed Walt Disney. The film shows how Travers came up with the idea of Mary Poppins after her father's illness. She at first is opposed to Mr. Disney's ideas for the movie and main character. But eventually she comes around to see that though not every part of the movie appeals to her, Mary Poppins is now been brought to life for generations of children to admire and love. Though Ms. Travers could not save her father in real life, Mary Poppins helps in saving Mr. Banks. A WONDERFUL movie for children of all ages.
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Emma Thompson is perfect as P. L. Travers, a very dislikable character. However, for one of my favorite actors, Tom Hanks was really a bad Walt Disney and that shocked me. The story had some good parts and some average parts. It is worth watching just to see Emma Thompson's performance.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Excellent film, but I question whether you could enjoy it with your entire family. Although there is no nudity or crude language, the events of P.L. Travers's childhood, shown in flashback, are very traumatic. The whole point of the film is that these childhood traumas have shaped Travers into a socially isolated, embittered woman. Not only does she resist Walt Disney's efforts to make MARY POPPINS into a movie, she also resists Disney's attempts to bring even rudimentary pleasantries into her life. She rejects refreshments during business meetings. She has no interest in touring Disneyland. She initially disdains the fruit baskets & stuffed animals sent to her hotel room. Disney eventually wins her over, but it's a long, painful process. This is very much a movie for adults. Most children would be upset by the glimpses of Travers's childhood and/or would judge the adult Travers to be a mean old lady. The magic of the eventual MARY POPPINS premiere ends the film on an upbeat note, but the rest --- business meetings with a cranky old woman --- would not likely hold the interest of anyone under twelve. I also would have liked an added special feature on the real Travers, as I wonder how much of this fascinating story is true and what was created for the movie.Read full review
I love this movie - its a gem that few people know about. The story is touching and heartwarming … although it takes a long time to warm up to Emma Thompson (who is fabulous) and realize where the story is going. On YouTube there is a scene that was cut, which I think should have remained in the movie; it would have helped to move the plot along because it explains why Emma behaves as she does. Tom Hanks and Paul Giamatti are wonderful - as they always are. I cant recommend it highly enough - if you like a movie about real people who are dealing with pain and a hurtful past. People dont always deal with things constructively, but love conquers all.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Wonderful true story. I didn't know this was how Walt Disney got Mary Poppins. Thought he did all his own stories, but he did a everlasting memory for all the families in the world. What a Wonderful gift he has!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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