"Saving Mr. Banks" Works Thanks to Hanks is Less than Super-docious

"Savings Mr. Banks" is the type of family, holiday movie you hope to fully embrace but will lightly cuddle instead. The classic Mary Poppins movie, immortalized by Julie Andrews thanks to Walt Disney, is one of the most beloved movies that was almost never made.   Mary Poppins' author, P.L Travers "Mrs. Travers, please" was relentlessly pursued by Walt Disney "Walt, please," for more than 20 years.  When Uncle Walt promises his own daughters he would make the book into a movie, what would prevent him from working his magic.  Apparently, more than pixie dust is required to own the copy rights from an author reluctant to sell.  Travers (Emma Thompson) is one persnickety curmudgeon immune to Walt's charms & the ingratiating talents of the musical Sherman brothers (winningly played by Jason Scwhartzman & B. J. Novak.)  The Dickensian story of the author is told in relentless flashbacks that are draining & disruptive.  The movie soars with the scenes of Walt or the Sherman brothers trying to woo Travers with kindness, & their imaginative vision for her story.  Hanks & Thompson are wonderful in their roles. However, a spoonful of sugar is needed to swallow all the story lines.  "Saving Mr. Banks" is not the happiest of Disney movies but it is not without its enchantment.