Finding Neverland is not the film for jolly pre-holiday joy, but is very beautifully staged and directed, costumed and executed. Johnny Depp gives an admirable portrayal of Sir James Barrie and a passable accent as well. Dustin Hoffman's incarnation of Charles Frohman, alas, is sadly lacking. He is not even remotely physically akin to the famous stage manager, being entirely too thin, too bearded, and too athletic. Althought the famous cane makes one appearance, Hoffman uses it as more of a fashion accessory and not the real support demanded by the very arthritic Frohman at this stage of his life. Edwardian costume and decor devotees will revel in the visual feast. Buxom Kate Winslet is heard to yell "Jack" several times, (the name of one of her boys)recalling her more famous role of Rose Dawson, and of course she looks lovely in corset, trailing sickroom robes, and flowing hair. Without giving the ending entirely away, it's safe to say that her exit from the film should have been made far earlier on, as she does tend to chew up the scenery in the last half hour. I would have loved to have seen a little more of the story of Peter Pan, Barrie's friendship with Frohman, and more of his marital situation. I waited, but not in vain, at last, for the most memorable line of the play, and the one for which Maude Adams was celebrated in 1905 in her interpretation of Peter, when Tinkerbell lay dying. She would come out to the footlights, lean forward and look into the eyes of the children in the audience and beseech them with the line, "Do you believe in fairies?" Then urging them to applaud if so, Tinkerbell comes to life through their belief. A magical stage moment. One leaves the cinema sober, wistful, and a little melancholy.
