source: Neverwas

Neverwas

"Neverwas" was a good family drama. The plot: Zach Riley (Eckhart) is working as a psychiatrist in the Millwood Insane Asylum. He meets Gabriel (McKellen) who only thinks about Riley's Father (Nolte) and the fantasy book he wrote years ago. Zach realizes that the book may be true and Gabriel holds the key to it's existence. The performances are first-rate. McKellen and Eckhart have a good chemistry together. Hurt is his usual self. Nolte and Lange don't have much to do but it's nice seeing them. One of the problems with the movie is that they criminally wasted Michael Moriarty's talent. He's in it for an actual second. Why cast him if he's gonna be a extra? This movie has been collecting dust for over three years now. I can definitely see why. The movie is slow and not much happens. But overall, "Neverwas" is worth seeing for the performances and plot-line. For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com

In these times of violent, sex-ridden entertainment this movie was refreshing. The story is intensely acted, the soundtrack fit the scenes emotionally, the colors are intense and vibrant. Watch this and please enjoy. The story is easy to follow, even with the flashbacks. The emotions are well portrayed by each actor. The soundtrack fit the scenes and brought me on an emotional "ride". The scenes with the filters of light and color are quite appropriate. The storyline is unpredictable without the usual Hollywood formula that I, personally, have grown sick of. This movie makes one - anyone - feel special, despite the imperfections and ghosts that lurk beneath our emotional shields.

This film had a fabulous cast. With Ian Mckellan and Joshua Stern, and Jessica Lange, Nick Nolte, Aaron Eckhart, Brittany Murphy, Alan Cumming. The plot began with a psychologist that returned to work at the hospital that his father stayed at when he was a boy. The condition of his father was fuzzy and ill explained but not so important to the plot that it hindered the story telling. There was some trouble with continuity but again the actors were able to carry the story. Ian McKellen was fantastic as Gabriel Finch, his performance was reminiscent to me, of the Madness of King George. Nevertheless, he made the world of Neverwas seem real and created a sense of suspense that Joshua Stern was unable maintain as he blundered though the script. Jessica Lange was able to connect with the audience and conveyed a sense of child-like wonder running through the woods to the fairy-tale world. At least the movie didn't take itself to seriously.

this is the kind of movie u never forget ....just like "la vida e bella" or "dancer in the dark"....it made me jealous on these people that have a land of their own...that "live as they dream"...unbelievable how simple it is to be happy and how much we complicate our lives sometimes.....anyway....i would like to thank all the actors and the people that worked to make this movie....because , even though it made me cry at first they were happy tears.... but the truth is that by watching this carefully u get (anyways i did) an idea about what really matters in your life...your dreams, your childhood (and the importance of remaining a child forever ), family, love, friends....and the most important YOURSELF....your own happiness, your own craziness,your own pleasures in life...and if that pleasure/ happiness is to live in a world of your own with kingdoms and unbelievable characters ...SO BE IT...u are a SPECIAL person...... thank u :)

No Reservations. The Core. Paycheck. Thank You For Smoking. Erin Brochovich. And so on and so on. Aaron easily shifts from one role to the next. I do not think that he is in any danger of becoming stereotyped. This is refreshing. I do not, however, mean to take anything away from his costars. William Hurt and Nick Nolte and Jessica Lange have not been 'A-listers' for some time but they still know how to give a powerfully moving performance. I am devoid of any real reference re Ian Mckellen and Brittany Murphy but they put in strong performances as do ones like Alan Cumming. This movie is about the dark side of life and how tormenting it can be especially regarding mental illness or deep loss. It also highlights the effects on loved ones, in particular children. The triumph of this movie is making you certain of what is fact and what is fiction and yet having that teased every inch of the way. I highly recommend this little known and highly under-appreciated movie.

This is one of those quiet little movies that you go to see one day because you have nothing better to do and the plot sounds OK but you really haven't heard much about. Then you come out of the theatre wondering why everyone else you know hasn't gone to see it yet. Ian McKellan and Aaron Eckhart both give strong performances easily pulling off the emotionalism needed for the movie, and throwing in enough humor to keep you interested. Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, William Hurt, and Brittany Murphy all pull off great supporting roles without overshadowing the main actors. Alan Cumming, although his role is small, really pulls at the heart strings with his portrayal of a patient of the institution. Because this movie has had little (if any) publicity, I think this movie will do well based on word of mouth alone. Definitely a "hidden gem".

I enjoyed it immensely, not being a critic, I simply can say, I identified with the human struggle which in this story wore the garb of mental illness, and the triumph of the soul, which as usual required faith and courage. I also thoroughly enjoyed the acting. Brittany Murphy was adorable opposite Aaron Echart. Ian McKellan was a wonderful depiction of a fairy tale king. This was not a low budget film and the money wan't wasted. It's curious that films like this one are released and there is no fanfare whatsoever. I am always hoping to find a sleeper and have the surprise of a great evenings entertainment. Neverwas delivered. Enough said. And I didn't even have to mention Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange or any of the other great talent in this film.

I don't know where eabrownfield (reviewer) gets off telling people to "stay away" from Neverwas. This is a magical, and very touching story. An excellent premise with a superb cast and stellar performances from all involved. The scenic settings were well shot and lit, often showing the differences between the dark and lighter sides of life. I say dark, yes there are parts in this film that are hard hitting, poinient moments that really make you think and get you inside the characters being played, again i think this is down to the great acting. The flip side is the fairy tale narrative that runs through the whole film, not that it turns in to a children's film at all, as its a story I'm sure many can relate to and will enjoy being told in this fashion. I will say it probably deserves its pg13 rating, its perhaps not for the very young, despite its fairy tale like appearance. Overall go and see this film, you wont be disappointed, i had a great time.