8/10 A movie around a pre-production of one, that doesn't disappoint

8/10 Contains light spoilers that does not reveal the story in specifics.

My Preconception: it has been a long time since i viewed Mary Poppins (unless you exclude more recent similar versions of the story), and the book itself I'm not sure I was read the whole thing as a child growing up. I am however familiar with the book, storyline and how large impact it has had.

The movie is straight forward, the dialogue and chemistry between Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks is there (both act well, though it must be said that both do suffer in atleast 1 scene where they do not act at par with what they produce during the rest of the the movie). Noteable when it comes to supporting cast are several strong actors as; Colin Farrell (who could be viewed as one of 5 leads), Ruth Wilson, Paul Giamatti, Kathy Baker and Jason Schwartzman.
This is however (from my point of view) a clean character study with focus on the two main leads, Thompson and Hanks makes this movie what it is, but with that being said without the supporting cast it would not even have been close to the same (because of the amount of strong supporting characters they do not impose, it would probably be different if there had only been one or two known supporting actors).

The common overenthusiastic colours that are often used in movies with this type of cinematography is suitable. The main sidestory with it's grit and harsh reality is what makes this movie tick as it should, a dichotomy is built where the bright shining "today" is shown as a reference versus the old harsh reality of yesterday (the one that is easily forgotten), this grants the movie a more genuine feeling, which is also the same thing that the viewer probably is to take from the difference in UK and US demeanor (you find this way of shooting alot more often in none Hollywood movies, maybe this is Disney getting inspired - this is nothing new overall - but it's something that partly has been forgotten by mainstream Hollywood).
The short scenes in the Disney park where the viewer gets a sort of behind the stage look (again showing a more realistic view that still contains the bright coloured frame) helps adding to the genuine feeling that is often lost.

The sentiment of the story is knit together towards the ending in a good manner that does not lack an emotional punch.

Pro's
Acting
Storyline (the weaving thereof)
Cinematographical and script balancing

Con's
Not any to be fair, it's not the best movie ever made but it is a strong and seeworthy movie that delivers what is suitable in most aspects of a motion picture. The focus lies correctly on the storyline and transforms the time spent watching it to an enjoyable time.

Noteworthy: Jerry Hauck passes by, for those that have been around for Hollywood action/crime movies of the 80's and 90's that will be a familiar face (if i recall right he also did stand-up comedy). A guy probably suitable for fast dialouged santa comedy movies, think he'd be well matched oponent for Vincent Vaughn.

Ignorance is only a bliss if you haven't reached awareness.
My imdb posts are getting altered.