“Finding Neverland” is a movie set in England in the year 1904, starring Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, Radha Mitchell, and Dustin Hoffman. Based on the play “The Man Who Was Peter Pan,” by Allen Knee, the movie centers on the real story of J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp)—a famous playwright who endeavors to bring the story of Peter Pan, a play inspired by his friends the Davies family, to life. He must conquer the weight of the gossip concerning him and Sylvia Davies (Kate Winslet), troubles with his own wife, cynicism from his peers, and many other obstacles to reach the opening night of “Peter Pan”—a night that changes not only his life, but the lives of all the people around him forever. “Finding Neverland” is rated PG for mild thematic elements and brief language.

The movie is beautifully acted from beginning to end. Johnny Depp is an amazing actor, and he makes Barrie very quirky yet believable. Kate Winslet does a wonderful job as well, strongly fulfilling her role as leading lady to Johnny Depp and not being lost in the process. The actors who play the Davies boys—George, Jack, Michael, and Peter—are amazing for young actors. The set, costumes, and filming are also done very well.

If you see that Johnny Depp is starring in a movie, you can expect three things from the film—the plot will be interesting, the characters will be well-developed, and you will enjoy the movie immensely. Since the characters are based on real-life people, developing them well probably wasn’t too difficult, but the writers and actors both do a wonderful job. It is hard to lose interest in the plot-line. There is a perfect balance of comedy and drama that blends flawlessly. Every character has a role; not a single one is superfluous. Do these aspects of “Finding Neverland” live up to Johnny Depp’s reputation? They absolutely do.

One thing that may bother some people is Barrie’s relationship with Sylvia. He spends much more time with her and the boys than with his own wife, and does end up falling in love with her—doing so at the expense of his own family. Although this element is necessary for the story, some may be offended by it. Divorce is a very unbiblical value, and we should be discerning in watching a movie that seemingly supports it.

A good moral that this movie upholds is family life. Barrie’s peers—even Sylvia’s mother—berate him for playing with the boys. They say it’s not the correct behavior of a gentleman. Men should discipline children, not play with them. Barrie loves the Davies boys very much, and becomes a kind of father figure to them even though “society” is telling him to leave well enough alone. Although at the expense of spending time with his own wife, he cares for the boys very well. Whether this is a good choice or a bad choice is up to the viewer.

In the end, “Finding Neverland” is a wonderful family movie and an absolute must-see. Beautifully written, wonderfully acted, and well put-together, it is definitely one of the best films of the year. Besides, with Johnny Depp in the lead role, how can a movie go wrong?