Mary Poppins

Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC FANTASY
Review: To date, it is hard to think of a movie that integrated story, character, musical numbers, animation and live action as enchantingly as Mary Poppins. For children, no other movie provides the sheer exuberance or delightfully conveyed good messages. For adults, there is a Puff The Magic Dragon theme throughout that comes over you when you watch it as a grown-up; I think it is that twist of sadness and of time passing by that keeps Mary Poppins on the top of the list. Julie Andrews is arch perfection in a role she plays with no sentiment at all; her Mary is as spit-spot and no-nonsense as in the books; and again, it is that air of authenticity that wins you over -- completely. Dick Van Dyke displays his many affable talents here in spades, and the children are absolutely adorable. The London locations are a dream come true, and provide a visual backdrop for the adventures at hand that keeps unfolding with wit and creativity. Though the final scenes in the bank do drag on a bit, this movie is whisked along by some of the Sherman Brothers' best music, which conveys not only spirited fun and frivolity, but also sweet melancholy -- Chim Chim Cheree creeps up on you by surprise, and at its conclusion you are moved to a place of wistfulness. Joyful and enduring.

Rating:
Summary: Great comedy
Review: Divinely inspired musical comedy. Like all good childrens books and movies, it reveals more depth when experienced by adults. The dialogue and dancing scenes are done with the wit of classic musicals, but with strong, melancholic undertones. Only the ending feels misplaced in this movie.

Rating:
Summary: Terrific movie!
Review: For sheer entertainment value, this movie is it

Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC ENTERTAINMENT.
Review: MARY POPPINS is a sheer delight no matter how many times you see it! This was Julie's "consolation prize" for not getting the role of Eliza Doolittle for the screen (alas, Audrey Hepburn played her). We will never know the sight of Andrews playing the lead in "My Fair Lady" on film, but we do know the sight of her playing Mary Poppins, and we love her (so did the academy!). The movie is very Disney, and done in such a grand way that you are taken directly into the charm of Edwardian London. Elsa Lanchester is very good (but all too brief ) as Katie Nana who informs Mrs. Banks (Glynis Johns) that the children have disappeared again. The need for a new nanny is neccesary as Katie Nana leaves. Jane and Michael write on paper the attributes of which they seek in a nanny; this sheet of paper is angrily torn up as rubbish and thrown into the fireplace by their father George. Miraculously, the pieces of paper are reassembled and the magical Mary Poppins makes her appearance, with the children's requests in hand. The scene where all the waiting nannies fly away is hilarious as are the domestics Hermoine Baddeley and Reta Shaw as they rescue the vases etc., from the daily vibrations caused by an eccentric local firing a cannon.The children are properly English and really just a WEE bit naughty. Julie Andrews is terrific and Dick Van Dyke is very good as Bert, though his cockney accent is pure Hollywood. As a kid, the scene where Jane and Michael run into an old hag scared me, on recent viewing it was a lark. Jane Darwell, as the old bird woman is heartbreaking especially when that beautiful score is playing; it was her final role. Glynis Johns is a strangely irresponsible mother,but she was ahead of her time (1910) as a suffragette, David Tomlinson is stuffy and proper as the indifferent father. The choreography is first-rate and the songs are memorable.(Disney's very favorite of all his films was "Tuppence a Bag" however "ChimChimCheree" won the academy award as best song of 1964(!). The animation sequences are among the best ever put on film (it was always difficult to do animation scenes with live actors). This is widely regarded as Disney's masterpiece, it was certainly his most expensive film, and it grossed many times it's cost. Disney got the idea for Mary Poppins when, in the late 40's he would hear his daughter giggling constantly while reading the books by P.L. Travers; he put the idea on the shelf and he filmed his masterpiece fifteen years later!

Rating:
Summary: Best movie ever made.
Review: This movie is a classic. Stirs the imagination and brings fanasy to life. Very well acted and produced considering the crudy book they had to work with. I love this movie so much it's so not even funny! A must see!

Rating:
Summary: An Enchanting Film for All Age Groups.
Review: The Crowning Achievment in the careers of Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, and Walt Disney. This stunning musical is full of great songs (my favorite being "Chim Chim Cheree"),and a story that is not only enjoyable, but brings us an importent point about the needs of children and the evils of child neglect. Another thing I love about this movie is the large amount of celebrity cameos. Everyone from Ed Wynn, to Arthur Treacher, to Jane Darwell (Ma Joad in "The Grapes of Wrath"), to Reginald Owen. A movie for the whole family, and in many cases, a life altering experience. Good to use as your child's first movie.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: I find this movie one of many G rated family entertainment movies. I have the VHS tape, I'm buying this one so I won't have to worry about loosing it quality color. A GREAT family movie

Rating:
Summary: Delightful family entertainment
Review: A wonderful hybrid of live action and animation combined into a very entertaining family musical film. This has to be among the best, if not the very best, work produced by the Disney film factory. Julie Andrews won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1964, but I still find it hard to believe she beat out Audrey Hepburn for her role in "My Fair Lady".

Rating:
Summary: Purely Magnificent!
Review: This is the greatest Disney film of all time. Story, songs, effects, and endless attention to detail are a true wonder. The performances are the icing on this cake, with Julie Andrews well deserving of her Oscar. It's so easy to see why everyone fell in love with her.

Rating:
Summary: Classic For Children
Review: This is a whimsical, fantastic, colorful journey into the world of Mary Poppins, timeless and universal, with great musical routines. Children love it, and want to watch it again and again.