Tom McCarthy (7) (1966–)

The "Mary Poppins" story with the basic premise logic of Spielberg's "Hook", populated with Disney's Winnie-the-Pooh characters. Might sound hokey (and sure, it kind of is). But a predictable and paper-thin feelgood plot doesn't get in the way of the enjoyment of this movie, which is massive. The often directly-from-Milne lines of dialogue in the scenes with Pooh give such heartfelt poignancy and depth to the goings on, that the story's simplicity is almost a feature rather than a bug. And show more McGregor is the perfect casting here. Warmly recommended to any Pooh fan, but will probably be a giant yawn to most others. show less

Somewhat surreal, but an enjoyable (if predictable) film. Disney meets AA Milne - or, rather, his son Christopher Robin, grown up and portrayed very well by Ewan McGregor. Work is taking up too much time and his wife Evelyn and daughter Madeline are in danger of being neglected. Madeline is working much too hard too...

CGI animals from the Hundred Acre Wood become involved in Christopher Robin's business life, with resultant chaos, with some amusing moments and some poignancy too as he show more recalls his childhood and starts to realise what he is missing.

Longer review here: http://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2020/04/goodbye-christopher-robin-will-tilsto... show less

A strong ensemble and director Tom McCarthy's sweetly low-key observations make Sundance fave The Station Agent a treat. The film revolves around a reserved, somber dwarf (Peter Dinklage, immortalized by his brilliant ticked-off tirade in Living in Oblivion), a train enthusiast who inherits a small depot in rural New Jersey. He makes friends, somewhat reluctantly, with a group of eccentric locals: the guy at the coffee stand (buoyant Bobby Cannavale), an artist (Patricia Clarkson, impeccable show more as usual), a librarian (Michelle Williams). A few of the plot strands feel forced, but whenever the actors are simply playing off each other with McCarthy's nicely understated dialogue--which is most of the time--it ambles along winningly. You'll also learn more than you ever thought you'd want to know about trains. The key is Dinklage's smoldering performance, one of those reminders that a single scowl is worth pages of conversation. --Robert Horton show less

This is one of those quiet little films that you want to recommend to all your best friends. So well done!