"Saving Mr. Banks" had its world premiere at the closing night of the London Film Festival.
Starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson, the movie has been obtaining Oscar buzz for a number of months, with many predicting it will get nominated for Best Picture and Best Actress. Early reviews seem to validate that sentiment, as many critics have praised the film for its performances. However, some pundits have all cautioned that the movie could be a bit saccharine and "on the nose."
The Playlist's Oliver Lyttelton gave the movie a B and wrote "even if it doesn't quite stick the landing, there's a lot to like here; it's a fundamentally decent, very well-acted and cannily written film."
Ashley Clark from IndieWire gave the movie a B and said "Ultimately, 'Saving Mr Banks' is witty, well-crafted and well-performed mainstream entertainment which, perhaps unavoidably, cleaves to a well-worn Disney template stating that all problems - however psychologically deep-rooted - can be overcome."
Scott Foundas from Variety also gave the film a positive review and said, "The behind-the-scenes story of 'Mary Poppins' has been brought to the screen with a surplus of old-fashioned Disney showmanship."
Leslie Felerin from the Hollywood Reporter wrote that film was "An affecting if somewhat soft-soaped comedy drama, elevated by excellent performances."
The film was directed by John Lee Hancock and tells the story of author P. L. Travers' meetings with filmmaker Walt Disney during production for the adaptation of her novel, Mary Poppins.
The film also stars Paul Giamatti, Ruth Wilson, Colin Farrell and Jason Schwartzman. Disney will release the film on Nov. 20. Before its theatrical release the film will make its North American premiere at AFI Fest in California.