This style of comedy is fine and, being a BBC Films co-production (along with Disney), British pacing is to be expected, but it's verbally complex, quick, subtle, and if 'Saving Mr. Banks' needs to be accessible to kids, doesn't hold much appeal to most families. If they're hoping for average kids to demand that mom and dad take them out to see this movie, Mr. Banks won't be saving much bank.
On the other hand, if they're thinking adults by themselves will turn out -- well, same thing. What person over the age of 12 is going to want to see this? I can't see a theater full of 30-somethings watching Banks, and the opening date of December 20 almost precludes going alone or on a date. That time of year is for families -- with kids. The new Anchorman, or maybe Walking with Dinosaurs, would be the movies of choice for families, I would think, while Inside Llewyn Davis will be the destination for adults that weekend.
Then, there's the subject: Walt Disney's attempt to secure the rights to PL Travers' novel(s) about Mary Poppins. Does anyone even know who Mary Poppins is these days? Really. If you asked the average kid, would they know, would they look at you like you're dumb and rattle off the answer, or struggle because they recognize the name yet don't know a thing about the character?
So, this is a Disney movie through to its soul, yet not one that kids will be able to understand, or that families in general will want to run out and see, that opens around X-mas. That's just wrong.
The next weekend sees Mitty and Wallstreet Wolf battling it out with American Hustle still being a viable choice. If kids need a fix, 47 Ronin or, really, almost anything else besides Banks, should do the trick.
'Saving Mr. Banks' looks well done, snappy, but doesn't play like what families want to see around X-mas. Looking like a rental, or to be seen on TV.
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