DVD Review: 'Finding Neverland'

"Finding Neverland" (PG): Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet soar in "Finding Neverland," a fascinating fictional take on the real-life events that inspired the classic play "Peter Pan." A recent Oscar nominee for Best Picture, there's no question that it's one of, if not the best film of last year.

Set in 1904 Edwardian England, Depp stars as famed playwright J.M. Barrie, who's coming off of another flop production. Even though he has the confidence of his loyal producer (Dustin Hoffman), there's no question that Barrie's in dire need of a hit.

The inspiration for it soon comes to Barrie during a morning stroll to London's Kensington Gardens, where he and his St. Bernard meet the four Llewelyn Davies boys and their widowed mother, Sylvia (Kate Winslet). Becoming fast friends with the family, Barrie discovers that his suffering imagination and boyish zest for life has been restored, giving him the inspiration for what is destined to become his greatest work.

But the inspiration doesn't come without a cost: He needs to break through to Peter (Freddie Highmore), who has forgotten what it's like to be a boy in the wake of his father's death; and his close relationship with Sylvia, who has become his muse, leads to estrangement from his wife, Mary (Radha Mitchell), and disdain from Sylvia's mother (Julie Christie).

Director Marc Forster creates a true masterpiece with "Finding Neverland," inspiring a magical sense of wonder from the very first frame with breathtaking cinematography, an emotionally stirring orchestral score, and sometimes, art direction that is unprecedented (look how he brings waves under a pirate ship to life).

But even more amazing, is how Forster maintains a "feel-good" tone throughout "Finding Neverland," despite a narrative that's not all sweetness and light. There's some human drama and tragedy in it, and despite it all, Forster finds a silver lining within the film's darker moments.

Providing the anchor for "Finding Neverland" is Depp, an already gifted actor who gets better with each film. Quirky and extroverted as Capt. Jack Sparrow "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," Depp's strong suit in "Finding Neverland" is his subtlety. Sporting a convincing lilting Scottish accent, Depp simply makes you believe he's J.M. Barrie, and instantly, we're enveloped with him in a magical world that exists between the pains of his reality and release of his plays.

But what drives Depp's performance over the top is what he doesn't do. Clearly as the lead he could have been more showy, but instead steps back and allows the likes of Winslet, Highmore, Mitchell and Hoffman to shine. It's a terrific ensemble performance. If you ever lose faith in movies, you'll always be able to restore it with "Finding Neverland." It's a film that fulfills the promise to unlock your imagination, and more importantly, it will make you believe.

DVD Features: Commentary with Forster, producer Richard Gladstein and writer David Magee; deleted scenes; production featurettes; outtakes and footage from the film's red carpet premiere. (Miramax Home Entertainment)

Also New This Week:

'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason' (R): Renee Zellweger willingly packs on extra pounds and a British accent again in a reprisal of her Oscar-nominated role for the sequel to the 2001 romance hit "Bridget Jones's Diary."

DVD Features include commentary by director Beeban Kidron, deleted scenes and a segment where Bridget Jones interviews actor Colin Firth -- who along with Hugh Grant, are also back for the sequel. (Universal Studios Home Entertainment)

Star Wars: Clone Wars' Vol. 1 (NR): Timed perfectly given the pending release of "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith," this Cartoon Network-produced series bridges the gap between "Attack of the Clones" and the new movie with 20 animated vignettes. Some characters -- namely Jedi foe General Grievous -- will be featured in "Sith."

DVD features includes an exclusive featurette, "Bridging the Saga: From Clone Wars to Revenge of the Sith," which features new interviews with George Lucas and "Clone Wars" director Genny Tartakovsky. Also included is a teaser trailer for "Sith," commentary tracks, an art gallery and more. (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment)