INTRODUCTION Mary Poppins has always been special for me. I’ve loved the film and known the songs for as long as I can remember. But back in 1979, I played Jane Banks in the World Stage Premiere of Mary Poppins, which was directed by David Pugh (now a big name in theatre), who also played Bert. I also got to meet Karen Dotrice (the film’s Jane Banks) and still look back fondly on those times. My kids love the film too, so when the 40th anniversary 2-disc DVD came out, I knew it was one to buy. It is full of extras, so this will definitely be a review of the DVD. I will add a brief outline of the plot for anyone who’s unfamiliar with it, but the ...  Read the complete review

(NB: this is a film-only review.) One of the things I do somewhat regret about the modern film industry is that it seems rather to have forgotten how to make true family films - by which I mean movies that manage to combine a U rating for the children with good enough plot and characterisation to keep the adults happy. Oh, there are plenty of excellent PG films around, but they are rarely suitable for very young children, at least without having a parent check them out first. Think of something like Raiders of the Lost Ark: it's a super film, but would you want your five-year-old seeing (even if it's largely taking place off screen) a guy getting sliced apart ...  Read the complete review

Mary Poppins is the Disney movie based on the books written by P.L. Travers and is a classic film that is a big favourite with me and I'm sure many many kids throughout the world. I loved this when I saw it years ago and still love it now. It is a great family movie and I hope when my children are old enough they will sit down and watch it with me too as it's great fun. Add the catchy songs and it makes this timeless classic very enjoyable and entertaining for all concerned. The story as the title suggests revolves around Mary Poppins who is a children's Nanny who comes to work at the Banks' house after their former Nanny leaves. In fact all their previous ...  Read the complete review

Mary Poppins is one of those delightful family films that you can return to again and again. It is handy to have in the house when you need a pick me up or just fancy some good old fashioned fun. Most people know the story, of how a nanny comes from the sky to look after two children, so I shall not waffle on too much about the plot. There is actually very little in the way of plot, as the film is really just a series of musical numbers building to a moral at the end of the film. For its time, the film was way ahead in terms of special effects and some of the effects still look just as impressive today. There are such creative moments, that put a ...  Read the complete review

All week, I've had 'Let's Go Fly A Kite' in my head. It's due to having watched Mary Poppins for the first time in a long time at the weekend, with my son. He absolutely loved it. He's learning some of the songs in it for a performance at the end of term, and we wanted him to see them in the film. Mary Poppins is the magical tale of a nanny who answers an advert sent desperately by two children who are fed up with the constant strict and boring nannies they have had. Despite their father ripping up their dear little letter they want to send, it finds its way up to Mary Poppins, who comes in floating down with an umbrella to inject a little bit of magic and fun ...  Read the complete review