Saving Mr. Banks opens in wide-release in just a few short hours, but we got to go to an advanced screening, and it was one of the best movies of 2013!
You got a glimpse into not only the life of P.L. Travers but the life of Walt Disney. The movie which flashes back and fourth from “past day” and “present day” shows you how Mary Poppins came to be. Mary Poppins has been a fan favorite from the beginning for both child and adults alike. However not many knew the story behind how out favorite air-traveling nanny came to be. With an all star cast, who hit it out of the park (Disneyland that is!) made you laugh, made you cry, made you sing, and it brought you back to some of your favorite memories. This story is one that almost anyone can connect with, a story of perseverance, joy, triumph, and family, it will surely be one you do not miss.
Emma Thompson’s, Pamela “P. L.” Travers on-scene banter with Tom Hanks’ Walt Disney is phenolminal. Colin Farrell plays Pamela’s father, Travers Robert Goff, in the flash backs of “Past Day.” Ruth Wilson plays Pamela’s mother, in the flash backs of “Past Day.” Rachel Griffiths plays Aunt Ellie, Margaret’s sister, whom Mary Poppins was created after. Bradley Whitford played Don DaGradi, co-writer of the 1964 film ‘Mary Poppins’ and may get an Oscar Nomination for his role. Jason Schwartzman and B. J. Novak played bother duo Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, respectfully, the composers/lyricists who co-wrote the film’s songs. Kathy Baker played Tommie, a trusted Disney studio executive. Melanie Paxson played Dolly (Dolores Voght Scott), Walt Disney’s secretary. Annie Rose Buckley as a young P.L. Travers, Helen “Ginty” Goff. Ronan Vibert as Diarmuid Russell, Pamela’s agent. Paul Giamatti plays Ralph Pamela’s chauffeur, and probably my favorite character of the movie. He brings out the best in “Pamela” and by the end of the film you are rooting the most for him.
Will YOU be watchign Saving Mr. Banks this weekend?