My Movie Review on Mary Poppins
Evening, ladies and gentlemen.
Once again, I am back with another movie review. And today, I’ll be reviewing one of the film industry’s timeless treasures: Mary Poppins.
In this film, when Jane (Karen Dotrice) and Michael (Matthew Garber), the children of the wealthy and uptight Banks family, are faced with the prospect of a new nanny, they are pleasantly surprised by the arrival of the magical Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews). Embarking on a series of fantastical adventures with Mary and her Cockney performer friend, Bert (Dick Van Dyke), the siblings try to pass on some of their nanny's sunny attitude to their preoccupied parents (David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns).
Seeing this film again recently, I cannot deny that Mary Poppins is, and always will be, a cinematic treasure of the ages. Even to me if I may add.
The story and plot line of the film by Bill Walsh and Don DaGradi was extremely well-thought, fun, and full of meaning. It teaches that, no matter what, you should let go of certain things for the sake and love of your family (not including Jesus, of course). It’s also emotionally moving, particularly from the part where Mr. Banks walks alone to the bank when the film nears its end. And, of course, you’ll find there to be some brilliantly timed comedy that isn’t mean-spirited or annoying. Especially because you’ll be laughing at every gag thrown at you (not literally speaking).
The direction by Robert Stevenson, as well as the producing by Walsh and Walt Disney, definitely aided the film into being a rollicking great time, and is definitely one of the very best live-action films of Walt Disney’s career. I also really loved the animation incorporated into the film. A definite hats-off congrats to the animators for doing such a great job, especially because it blended so well with the live-action characters.
For the acting, cast, and character development...
Here’s what I have to say:
100% awesomeness!
Each and every cast member fit their parts like peas in a pod! They portrayed them perfectly too, the ones particularly standing out to me being Julie Andrews, who portrayed Mary Poppins herself to the point of being synonymous to her; Dick Van Dyke, who was so funny with his character of Bert; Ed Wynn, who definitely stole the show despite only being on screen for about ten minutes; and David Tomlinson, who was obviously meant for the role, and whose character had remarkable development throughout.
The best part of the film though is definitely the music.
The songs by Sherman brothers Richard and Robert, as well as the score by Irwin Kostal, completely killed it and stole the show! I especially love how they were trying to help the lyrics blend in with normal talking, and how no beat was ever missed as well.
In the end, the film is a definite winner, as well as a total classic! I can’t even see why the original author, P.L Travers, would dislike this film, especially after finding that she wanted to take the overall fun out of the film. Well, I guess that’s where “Saving Mr. Banks” comes into play.
So, I rate Disney’s Marry Poppins a solid five out of five stars.
Stay tuned for my follow-up review on “Saving Mr. Banks”, coming around next week.
