The classic Disney family favourite has been brought back to life and this wonderful film is sure to please. Many adults haven’t seen it for many years and can now rediscover the magic, while kids of today can maybe see it for the first time and see how entertaining it really is.
The Banks family live at 17 Cherry Tree Lane in London and the year is 1910. Regimental father George Banks lives with his preoccupied wife, their two children Jane and Michael and their staff in this house that is sadly lacking in any forms of affection. When the children’s carer Katie Nanna resigns from her position, the need to employ a new nanny is paramount. Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) blows into town (literally) and takes on the job. Mary is no ordinary nanny though, she is never cross, has a cheery disposition, has rosy red cheeks and is practically perfect.
"A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, in the most delightful way. " |
Mary and her friend Bert (Dick Van Dyke) take the children on many adventures, teaching them valuable life lessons along the way. They get to also meet many fun characters and Mary Poppins has a wonderful way of teaching both the children and adults, in her special and magical way, with the ultimate goal being to bring the family closer together. Once this task is complete, she will be on her way, that is when the wind changes.
This DVD release of Mary Poppins is an absolute treat. For those of us that haven’t seen it for many years, it is surprising just how entertaining it really is. Many kids of today may not understand the prim and proper English mannerisms, but this should not take too much away from their enjoyment.
Julie Andrews is perfect in her award winning film debut role of Mary Poppins and is ably supported by Dick Van Dyke (hey cool initials) as Bert. The Academy Award winning musical score is just perfect for this film. Many songs will be easily recognisable to most, such as A Spoonful Of Sugar, Chim Chim Cher-ee and of course Supercalifragilistic-expialidocious. The rest of the musical score is also perfect and fills the film with just the right feel.
For a film made in 1964, this really is cutting edge as far as the use of animation and special effects goes. The effects do look a little dated, of course, and edge enhancement is easily spotted, but it is quite obvious that no expense was spared in this production. Dick Van Dyke does a dance routine with some cartoon penguins that is familiar the world over and should put a smile on many faces.
There is not much to find fault with in this Disney classic. The English accent delivered by Dick Van Dyke is quite possibly the worst I have ever heard and the portrayal of English society at its snobbiest is not altogether necessary, but apart from those small annoyances this is a terrific film that the whole family can enjoy. For a film that was shot entirely indoors, the producers can be truly proud of this effort.