When he arrives at the institution, he meets Gabriel (Ian McKellen), a schizophrenic who claims to be one of the characters from the book. Zach thinks nothing of the claim, but Gabriel's insistence that Neverwas really does exist peaks his interest enough that he becomes obsessed with discovering more about his father and the book. Along with his friend, Ally (Brittany Murphy), a long-time devotee of the book, Zach begins to uncover the secrets of Neverwas and his relationship to it.
Neverwas has a bit of a Finding Neverland meets Big Fish meets The Fisher King vibe running through it. Zach, like Will in Big Fish, thinks Neverwas is a good story, but is skeptical when people begin to assert that it is a real place. At the same time, we also see the story behind Neverwas through a series of flashbacks with his father. Even though his father is a pill-popping alcoholic throughout most of these scenes, we still get a sense of the meaning behind the book. These feelings are further enhanced by the passion Ally and Gabriel show for the story.
Pacing is handled well, though the constant jumping between story, fantasy and flashbacks can become a bit disorienting. The cuts aren't jarring and blend well, though they will force you to think a little more than most films and can slow the film down. The main plot is great, though some sub-plots, like Zach and Ally's romance, feel tagged on - almost as if they are there only because people expect them, not because they add anything to the story. This element turns up in other areas as well. Rather than shoot for something bigger, it instead goes for the easy sentimental hits. On one hand, it helps viewers better relate, though it also holds the film back and becomes almost predictable.
Senior actors like Ian McKellen, Jessica Lange and Nick Nolte turn in great performances. Nolte fits into his role better than anyone would openly admit which becomes more apparent when witnessing Lange's performance as a depressed alcoholic that is almost a parody of Nolte's. McKellan lends a certain believability and weight to the story and, other than the underused Willaim Hurt, gives one of the best performances in the movie. Though I readily admit to thinking this out way too much, his role as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings has an indirect way of strengthening the believability of the book's influence on characters.
Though their roles are limited, Alan Cumming and Vera Farmiga deliver great performances as patients at the asylum. There is even a random Bill Bellamy sighting.
Despite slow pacing and a few needless plot points, Neverwas is an okay choice for the people whose tastes lean towards more artistic, plot-driven stories. Though there is a fantasy element running through the movie, it is more inline with Finding Neverland or John Ritter's oft forgotten Dreamer of Oz. Despite everything it has going for it, Neverwas never fully reaches its potential.
