jordathan

i attended a pre-screening of "Saving Mr. Banks" last night in Dallas. while i had been looking forward to the film, i had my reservations. after all, Johnny Hancock (director) was behind "The Blind Side," which i found much too schmaltzy and watered-down for my taste. also, this was a movie about Walt Disney being produced by his company - so how honest would it be about the story behind the making of the masterpiece "Mary Poppins"? would it settle for predictable mellow-drama (yes, i meant to spell it that way) and glorify dear Uncle Walt as perfect and demonize Mrs. Travers as a cold, soulless spoilsport? thankfully, the answer to that is a resounding "no."

while it surely takes artistic license with history, the film as a whole is surprisingly great. there's not a weak moment throughout, not a second where i wasn't entertained and wanting to find out what would come next. this film (rated PG-13) surprises with many of the thematic issues it tackles, including alcoholism, loss - and we even get a brief glimpse of a smoking Mr. Disney (hey, it was the 60s).

Emma Thompson has always been a strong performer though her screen time has waned over the last decade and a half, but here she gives a performance that is worthy of awards attention. As Mrs. P.L. Travers, she is an author as protective as her life's work as a mother is for a child and is dealing with demons nearly forgotten. Mr. Hanks too carries his own playing the iconic and visionary Disney at the top of his game, trying to honor a promise to his daughters while also add to his impressive repertoire of cinematic achievements.

this is not really a film to take your Poppins-loving tykes to. this is the Disney film for mom and dad to enjoy. "Saving Mr. Banks" will probably be remembered as one of the best films of 2013, and for good reason.

"The Iron Lady" is an unconventional biopic, and it's hard to describe why until you see it for yourself. just know that if you go into it expecting something along the lines of a traditional true story profile of a famous individual, you will be disappointed.

for example, little time is given to Lady Thatcher's first elected position as MP for Finchley and almost as little time is devoted to the process of her actually becoming PM.

the film focuses primarily on the thoughts of an aging Lady Thatcher, and so the flashbacks on much more episodic than what is usually expected in this type of picture.

but Meryl Streep provides all the quality the film needs (not to mention the outstanding makeup work), and more than makes the film worth watching. Jim Broadbent is fantastic (as always) as Lady Thatcher's late husband Denis, but not let's kid ourselves that this is anything but Meryl's show.

some reviewers on here have complained about this not being a biopic of Marilyn Monroe. of course it's not. it's called "My Week With Marilyn," not "My Life With Marilyn." so get over it.

that being said, this film was so much better than i had expected it to be. i expected a Michelle Williams showcase, but the film entire is top-notch. the entire cast is fantastic, the direction by Mr. Curtis is superb (i don't expect him to get awards or anything, but for a first feature, it was incredible), and the screenplay manages some keen observations on the nature of celebrity obsession, the art of acting, and depression.

it is too bad Mr. Branaugh will not be getting much awards buzz for this film - i found him fantastic as Sir Lawrence Olivier and he had some fine moments. but, of course, the show really belongs to Ms. Williams, who completely disappears into Marilyn and brings an authentic tenderness to the icon. one moment, you'll be basking in her glow, the next moment, your heart will be breaking.

easily one of the best films of the year.