Review of Mary Poppins (1964) by Rachel H — 20 Jan 2011

In my opinions, Mary Poppins is one of the best childrens films ever made and one of my personal favourite movies. What can I say, it's practically perfect in every way. Nothing can ever stop me from loving this movie. The catchy songs, the legendary story, the great performances, and of course the world's coolest nanny herself, Mary Poppins are just a few things that make this movie great. Mary Poppins will forever go down as Disney's best live action film and one of the best made kids films of all time.

For those of you who don't know what Mary Poppins is about, I feel terribly sorry for you because this movie was a great part of my childhood and has pretty much been a part of the childhoods of every person I ask (don't think I just run around asking people if they have seen Mary Poppins). Anyway, it's about two unhappy children named Jane and Michael and their parents. They need a nanny and Mary Poppins finds Jane and Michael's advertisement that their father ripped up and threw into the fire. Mary Poppins comes to the house and works that special kind of magic that involves popping through chalk pavement pictures and dancing on rooftops. Well, our male lead Bert (Dick van Dyke) is mostly involved in that, but Mary's magical powers assist in the adventures. I don't really want to explain much more in case any of you haven't seen this and want to. The story is truly a modern fairytale and a movie that everyone should watch at least once in their lifetime.

The real strength that the movie has going for it is the catchy songs and stellar performances. Of course the two best known performances in the movie are that of Andrews and Van Dyke in the main roles of Mary Poppins and Bert. The other actors aren't exactly well known now, but their performances are just as well done, especially the actor who plays George Banks. I would definitely have to say that Julie and Dick were the best. The characters are also well-written and memorable, and they are flawed (except Mary Poppins, who's practically perfect in every way) but definitely likeable.

The other main strength is its incredibly catchy songs. I mean, even if you've never watched a movie you've probably heard of the songs "Spoonful of Sugar" or "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious". Those are easily the two most well known songs in the movie, but they're not in my opinion the best. I think the best is "Step in Time", the big chimney sweep dance number and "Feed the Birds". Anyay, all of them are quite memorable and some of the best songs Disney has ever done.

All in all, Mary Poppins is a movie that everyone should see at least one time in their life. It was a crucial part of my childhood and I feel deeply sorry for any person who has not seen this movie. So I would definitely recommend this to anyone, young or old, male or female, anybody. Strong performances, a great story, and catchy songs are just the thing that makes this movie great and just the thing that could make this a wonderful kids movie.