Common Sense Media Review
By Common Sense Media
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A fantastical car story custom-made for kids.
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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 25 parent reviews
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a classic family favorite despite some opinions that it can be dull at times. While many appreciate its whimsical story and catchy songs, the character of the Child Catcher is considered too scary for some young viewers, making the film not suitable for sensitive children.
- classic family favorite
- catchy songs
- scary villain
- mixed audience reactions
- good role models
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based loosely on a novel by Ian Fleming (of James Bond fame), the fantasy musical CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG gets rolling when Caractacus Potts (Dick Van Dyke), an eccentric inventor with barely enough money to keep a roof over his two kids' heads, buys a beat-up motorcar and transforms it into a dream machine that can fly, float, and, it seems, even think for itself. A day at the seashore with the car -- which is called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang -- spawns an elaborate adventure in the land of Vulgaria, as the Potts clan and candy heiress Truly Scrumptious (Sally Ann Howes) try to rescue Grandpa Potts (Lionel Jeffries) from his kidnappers, Baron (Gert Fröbe) and Baroness Bomburst (Anna Quayle). On the adventure, an exceedingly creepy child catcher entices the young Jeremy (Adrian Hall) and Jemima Potts (Heather Ripley) with lollipops, Caractacus and Truly pose as life-size dolls at the baron's birthday party, and the country's imprisoned children stage a revolt.
Is It Any Good?
This film is the stuff of magic. Roald Dahl, author of many children's stories including James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was co-writer of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang screenplay, which blends fantasy and adventure in a whimsical movie musical that has been captivating children for decades. The wonderful music comes as no surprise; after all, it's by brothers Richard and Robert Sherman, who also wrote the music for Mary Poppins. Though the songs in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang aren't quite as memorable, the story may leave even more of an impression on kids and excite them to a greater degree thanks to the thrilling action and abundant humor. Young viewers may drift to sleep after the climax, as the love story between Caractacus and Truly concludes, but they'll have a feast of visions to dream of for years to come.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which parts of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang "really happened" and which were imagined by the characters. How can you use your imagination to go on adventures at home?
What would you do with a car like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? What kinds of things would you like to invent?
Why were the people of Vulgaria depicted as fools? Do you think any real-life political events affected their portrayal?
How do the characters in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang demonstrate curiosity and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 18, 1968
- On DVD or streaming : November 25, 2003
- Cast : Dick Van Dyke , Lionel Jeffries , Sally Ann Howes
- Director : Ken Hughes
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance
- Run time : 144 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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