- 10
This isn't just kid stuff; parents too will get lost in Neverland.
— E!
- 10
This enchanting film, with its affecting sweetness delivered by a flawless cast, is destined to become a classic.
—David Levine filmcritic.com
- 9
...Johnny Depp adds yet another indelible, Oscar-worthy portrait to his gallery of memorable characters.
—Lou Lumenick New York Post
- 9
...is less about its story line than it is about how receptivity to and generosity toward one's fellow human beings can spur the imagination.
—Glenn Kenny Premiere
- 8
...a glorious, moving drama...
—Pam Grady Reel
- 8
...glorious entertainment.
—Peter Travers Rolling Stone
- 8
Finding Neverland is, finally, surprisingly moving.
—Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times
- 8
...a limpidly emotional heart-tugger about the pleasures and tragedies of eternal youth...
—Michael Wilmington Chicago Tribune
- 8
Poignant moments that supposedly led to the creation of the play feel largely exaggerated, but Neverland's feel-good references to Peter Pan will appeal to the most cynical grown-ups.
—Patrick Richardson Maxim
- 7
...a deftly constructed movie...
—Leah Rozen People
- 7
...delicately whimsical, genuinely moving...
—Maitland McDonagh TV Guide
- 7
...gently seductive, genuinely tender and often moving without being maudlin.
—Carina Chocano Los Angeles Times
- 7
...a low-key biopic that's well worth a visit.
—David Sterritt Christian Science Monitor
- 7
...practices a tasteful restraint, embodied by Depp's unusually subdued performance.
—Jessica Winter Village Voice
- 7
The movie glows, all right. It just never soars.
—Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly
- 6
Like so many holiday movies with Academy Award aspirations, Finding Neverland is the kind of film where even the smallest crack has been sealed. Instead of real quirks, strange habits, moments of everyday gas, gurgle and grunting, movies like this give us sumptuous production design, meticulous costumes and stories meant to leave us dewy-eyed and thoughtful, if never actually disturbed.
—Manohla Dargis New York Times
- 5
The cumbersome Finding Neverland never gets off the ground.
—Nick Schager Slant Magazine
- 4
I'm all for free adaptation, and I'm willing to believe that just about anyone who has laid eyes on Kate Winslet would fall in love on the spot. But this interpretation seems to be a strategic if distorting avoidance of Barrie's intense relationship with children...
—Ella Taylor LA Weekly
- 3
...a maudlin, leaden biopic...
—Nathan Rabin Onion AV Club