Thompson and Hanks make this warm, if sentimental, backstory worth watching.
Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Saving Mr. Banks is broadly positive, with most reviewers finding it an enjoyable and heartwarming watch. The performances of Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks draw near-universal praise, with Thompson's portrayal of P.L. Travers and Hanks' depiction of Walt Disney frequently highlighted as the film's strongest assets. Some critics take issue with the film's excessive sentimentality and length, while a minority argue it functions as corporate self-promotion for Disney and reduces Travers to a stereotype, with one reviewer calling it outright dull.
2 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 12 critic reviews · may contain errors
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Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
It's a delight to watch the wooing of Travers by the Disney team, also including the scriptwriter of the Mary Poppins film Don DaGradi and the lyricist-musician duo of the Sherman brothers. She spars over everything from Mr Bank's moustache to the dancing penguins, and it's a nice observation into what an artist feels letting go of his or her life's work. One can see the little girl in that ageing woman almost at every turn.
Top critic
Film review ·
...too long, too sentimental, too hacky in bits, but, ultimately, it's truly chipper in a way most films have forgotten how to be. It might not be supercalafragilisticexpialidocious, sure, but at least it points us in that direction.
Top critic
Film review ·
Like all Disney films, this one too is doused in a vat of good-natured sweetness and sprinkled with a helping of schmaltz. Yet the film is eminently watchable whenever Thompson is on screen. As the forever snapping Mrs Travers - she refuses to be addressed with even the slightest hint of familiarity, no Pam or Pamela will do, thank you very much - she nevertheless brings wit and charm to a film that could've done with a little less sugar to make the medicine go down.
Film review ·
To learn a few of life's lessons told all through expressions and emotions. Also, to watch the fabulous making of a film that is close to a lot of people's hearts – Mary Poppins, a film that took 3 years to make, but 20 years of persuasion. And most of all, to know why it is so imperative for someone to come to the rescue of Mr. Banks.
Film review ·
This film is Director John Hancock's best film. He has taken pains to show how hard it was to make "Mary Poppins". And with all its brilliance and complexities, the film has a feel-good factor that remains etched in your memory, long after you leave the theater.
Film review ·
Saving Mr. Banks is guaranteed to tug your heart strings, don't miss it.
Film review ·
When it comes to creating a land of fantasy, fun and mirth for children, there wasn't much that Walt Disney couldn't do. So, when his daughters implore him to fulfill their wish and make a movie out of their favourite book, how could he refuse? It's a promise that would take him two decades to keep. Heartwarming without being soppy, this film makes for a thoroughly enjoyable watch.
Film review ·
For fans of Mary Poppins or Disney, Saving Mr Banks offers a wonderful insight into the drama that ensued behind the scenes in making one of the best loved child classics of all time.
Film review ·
Yes, it does sound like a smart self- PR trick on Disney's part to hawk the idea as a fullfledged feature, but you don't mind it because it makes for a captivating watch. Toplining all attractions about the film is Tom Hanks' brilliant portrayal of Walt Disney. The equation of tension he shares with the inimitable Emma Thompson, cast as Mary Poppins author PL Travers, is intelligently crafted, too.
Film review ·
If you're willing to let go of the fact that it doesn't really pay attention to detailing and Disney's real persona, you'll find this to be a really enjoyable movie.
Film review ·
The bitter author, portrayed as a lonely spinster who hides deep insecurities from childhood, reduces the life of P.L. Travers to a stereotype that the climax can liberate with happy tears. It's highly unlikely that the movie would have been a catharsis for the author in 1964, when the film came out and became a global sensation. Barring a few scenes, Saving Mr Banks is dull. What else would a glorified corporate film be?
Film review ·
The film is a terrific watch, thanks to the laser sharp writing working in tandem with excellent performances. Each of the characters are so well written and realised that we are willy-nilly drawn into their stories...watching Thompson as Travers bringing out every nuance of the character from irascible to vulnerable and everything in between, one cannot imagine anyone else in the role. And what can one say of Tom Hanks? As Disney he is the showman, the confidante, the artiste for who "the mouse was family" and the businessman who will not take no for an answer.
From our readers
7 ratings · user score 7.9
In my view, Emma Thompson steals the show. Tom Hanks is definitely realistic as Mr. Walt Disney but Emma is the showstopper. Mary Poppins is a novel very very close to her heart and she does not believe that it would ever be possible to bring the story to life on the silver screen. Mr. Disney (Tom Hanks) makes every possible effort to convince Emma (the writer) to give the copyright and also help his team create a movie (based on the novel) as she would want it to be. Movie goes through the entire journey that Emma takes in her life especially her attachment with her father which keeps flashing on and off as memories on her mind. There is a gradual transformation in her character and makes the movie worth a watch! If you are an emotional soul, then you should definitely watch this Disney movie.
Credits
Emma ThompsonPamela "P. L. Travers"
Tom HanksWalt Disney
Colin FarrellTravers Robert Goff
Paul GiamattiRalph
Ruth WilsonMargaret Goff
Jason SchwartzmanRichard M
Bradley WhitfordDon DaGradi
Annie Rose Buckleya young P
B. J. NovakRobert B
Kathy BakerTommie
Melanie PaxsonDolly
Rachel Griffiths
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