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Neverwas

Play trailer Poster for Neverwas PG-13 2005 1h 42m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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14% Tomatometer 7 Reviews 65% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Dr. Zach Riley (Aaron Eckhart) begins practicing at the Millwood Psychiatric Clinic -- a mental health retreat where his deceased father, renowned children's book author T.L. Pierson (Nick Nolte), was once interned. Riley finds an unlikely friend in Gabriel Finch (Ian McKellen), a disarming patient who forces him to examine himself. When Finch suggests that the fantastic land in Pierson's classic book "Neverwas" is real, Riley begins a spellbinding investigation into his father's work.
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Neverwas

Critics Reviews

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Dennis Harvey Variety 09/20/2005
This is the kind of movie where a madwoman's outburst leads her to throw a mug that just happens to be filled with gold sparkles -- which can then be photographed cascading down on all the adorable loonies, in slow-motion. Go to Full Review Robert Roten Laramie Movie Scope 06/21/2008
B
At a time when most films lack subtlety, it is rare to find one as delicate, wistful and tender as 'Neverwas.' Go to Full Review Brian Webster Apollo Guide 07/04/2007
66/100
Writer/ director Joshua Michael Stern has crafted something more than a mess and something less than a film that hits home. Neverwas never does quite win us over. Go to Full Review Jules Brenner Cinema Signals 07/04/2007
2/5
Never has so much talent come to so little because of a screenplay that's so adrift and aimless. Eckhart plays a psychologist with enough personal psychoses to keep himself preoccupied for a lifetime. Go to Full Review John J. Puccio Movie Metropolis 07/03/2007
4/10
Seems rather a waste to use name actors and then not have them actually do anything. Go to Full Review Jason Gorber Film Scouts 06/21/2007
D
Good actors are wasted, sets dominate storytelling, and it's all based on the most banal and artificial of children's tales. Avoid. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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catherine h 11/12/2024 Fabulous film! Great cast! It's my go to when I need inspiration for writing, or painting. Sound track by Phillip Glass is just as magical as the story. The story takes me right back to my childhood, And I wish Neverwas was a pop-up book by Robert Sabuda- I'd buy it in a heartbeat. See more Jerod S @jeroduptown 05/21/2024 Eckhart's dad (Nolte) writes a beloved kids book but goes insane. Eckhart then goes on a goose chase with Britney Murphy to get to the bottom of Gandalf's infatuation with his dad's fairytale kingdom. It's all just too much. See more Kasey T 10/27/2023 I adore this movie. Wonderful cast, Brittany Murphy (rip 😔) and Sir Ian McKellen (he is spectacular in any film he is in) are perfect for their character rolls. As we're Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange (love her!), William Hurt, Vera Farmiga, Allen Cumming, and Cynthia Stevenson. The story is bittersweet and enchanting. Even if it is considered an obscure film, it is in one of my top favorite movies. See more nate m 11/06/2022 I never saw Ian McKellen in a movie. Wow - what an amazing actor. I'm glad I watched the movie, but have no desire to watch it again. ' See more 09/09/2020 No one seems to love this movie. Guess they lost their childhood. I love to be sweapt away in mysterie, the feeling that everywhere you go, is an adventure, like when i was a child. Going back to a time when all things where exiting and mysterious. This movie provides that. Open your mind like a child, and you will find a great treasure in this movie, and maybey, you will see adventure in your real ,ordinairy dull life ,where you previously saw none. Give it a go, and be pleasently surprised. I watch it once every year , and i love it!!! See more 12/09/2017 This is one of my favorite films I have ever seen and one I recommend to anyone. On the surface this film is about fantasy, and the thrill of a more exciting version of life, but deep down is the anguish of reality and how we, as individuals deal with our own disappointments. The acting was great and the director "directs" you through the story exactly how you are intended. Please ignore the poor rating from the "critics" and see this film. See more Read all reviews
Neverwas

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Cast & Crew

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Joshua Michael Stern

Director

Aaron Eckhart

Zach Riley

Ian McKellen

Gabriel Finch

Brittany Murphy

Maggie Blake

William Hurt

Dr. Peter Reed

Nick Nolte

T.L. Pierson

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Neverwas

Neverwas (2005) Neverwas (2005) Neverwas (2005) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Dr. Zach Riley (Aaron Eckhart) begins practicing at the Millwood Psychiatric Clinic -- a mental health retreat where his deceased father, renowned children's book author T.L. Pierson (Nick Nolte), was once interned. Riley finds an unlikely friend in Gabriel Finch (Ian McKellen), a disarming patient who forces him to examine himself. When Finch suggests that the fantastic land in Pierson's classic book "Neverwas" is real, Riley begins a spellbinding investigation into his father's work.
Director
Joshua Michael Stern
Producer
Sidney Kimmel, Greg Shapiro
Screenwriter
Joshua Michael Stern
Production Co
Kingsgate Films
Rating
PG-13 (Thematic Issues)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 19, 2016
Runtime
1h 42m
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