Mary Poppins (1965)

Sorry, this movie sucks

Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

I never realized what a high energy movie this was until I experienced all the singing and dancing. Nor does one consider Dick Van Dyke to be more than the rubber faced comic who performed as the amiable Rob Petrie on the television show that bore his name. But here, teamed with Julie Andrews, the musical pair light up the screen as a mystical, magical couple that teaches a couple of young kids how wonderful life can be. And in doing so, show their business obsessed father how to be a Dad in a world that too often doesn't have time for it's youngsters. The film is a mix of classic Disney animation and joyful live action with a sprinkling of catchy tunes that you'll be singing to yourself for a couple of days afterward. I can't remember when or where I first heard them, but songs like 'Spoonful of Sugar' and that Super etcetera, etcetera one have a tendency to linger in one's mind for a considerable length of time. Julie Andrews was made for the role of Mary Poppins, and Van Dyke clearly is allowed to strut his stuff in a way that demonstrates his versatility as an actor. You only got a hint of that in that opening scene of 'The Dick Van Dyke' show when he dancingly sidesteps the ottoman in his way; here he's hopping all over the place. The only thing that made me go huh? in the picture was during that tea party on the ceiling scene. Ed Wynn was classic as Uncle Albert by the way, but it seemed out of character for Mary to be so down on the 'laugh out loud' aspect of Albert's character. Here she was trying to convey a sense of wonder and happiness to her two young wards, and frowning upon those ridiculous jokes seemed out of place. But that aside, I had a pretty good time with the picture, and if I had to pick a favorite scene, I thought the penguin sequence with Bert (Van Dyke) was very cleverly done.

This is one of my childhood favorites. I couldn't handle many long movies but 139 minutes of this was perfect for me! I have so many memories with this movie. Learned to pronounce the above word, wetting my pants once and having to take out the tape as punishment, ripping the cover off for no reason, learning that the mother says "stupid" in her song, and much more. Even at age 19 I still love it! Do not deprive your kids of this excellent classic! If they are not into live action yet then wait a couple years, but there is some animation in the chalk drawing scene.

Although I really don't lie musicals, I have to admit this is in every way one of the best movies ever made. It won 5 Oscars out of 13 nominations. If you ask me, it deserves at least 50. Before this, Julie Andrews had few TV roles, but this is her debut feature film and she already got herself Academy Award. Her beauty and charisma combined with her acting are one of the biggest advantages of this film. Dick Van Dyke is great choice for the role of Bert and kids are very cute. Directing is great, special effects fantastic for its time and animation perfectly integrated. Music is excellent and almost every song became evergreen hit. But all of that is less important. What makes this movie one of the best of all time is wonderful emotion it brings. It tells one of the most beautiful stories ever told. When it makes you laugh, it's not because something is funny, but because it pours pure joy into your heart. When it makes you cry, it's not because it's sad or pathetic, but because it's sincere and genuine the way only kids are able to be. Movie that everyone should see at least once in a lifetime. I know I'll see it many more times, especially if I have children one day.<3 10/10 <3

9/17/17. Definitely a classic musical that is not to be missed! Considering the age of this movie, it was way ahead of its time in terms of cinematic delights - dancing and singing animated animals! Still a fun movie to watch with children of all ages! I'm looking forward to the remake with Emily Blunt. The entire cast was fantastic and now I see why Julie Andrews was such a darling with the public when this and the Sound of Music came out a year later.