Finding Neverland

First blood in this years Oscar race went to Finding Neverland, which scooped The National Board of Review's best picture nod yesterday. I've seen it twice and blubbed both times, so would not resent it being applauded at all. I have wondered though exactly why I enjoyed it so much? It's not the best made or most groundbreaking film ever, nor the most entertaining. In fact it's quite slow and ordinary, but it just does capture that magic at the right moments - the same way the characters care about each other you care about them. Johnny Depp is understated and conveys innocence and gentleness brilliantly. Kate Winslett continues to regain kudos in my book, and the little boy who played Peter, who was also in 5 Children and It, was perfect. In other catagories, Jamie Foxx won best actor for Ray, Annette Benning won best actress for Being Julia (looks awful but... OK), Michael Mann got best director for Collateral (very pleased about that) and a mention for Closer as one of the years top ten, which they have been chosing sine 1929, bodes well. Kx