Common Sense Media Review
By Common Sense Media
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic family movie has positive messages.
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Mary Poppins
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 73 parent reviews
Parents say the film is a timeless classic enjoyed by young children and their parents alike, often eliciting repeated viewings due to its enchanting songs and magical story. While some viewers find its length and slow pacing a bit challenging for younger audiences, many appreciate the positive messages and memorable characters that resonate across generations, although a few express concerns over certain scenes that may frighten sensitive kids.
- timeless classic
- enchanting songs
- positive messages
- suitable for young kids
- concerns over pacing
- sensitive scenes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 68 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a timeless classic that offers magical family fun and enchanting music, with many praising the performances of the lead actors and the imaginative storytelling. However, some find it overly long and criticize its outdated gender roles, while others feel it remains an ideal choice for audiences of all ages due to its lack of inappropriate content.
- timeless classic
- magical family fun
- overly long
- outdated gender roles
- enchanting music
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In MARY POPPINS, a wealthy British family in 1910 London seeks a new nanny for young Jane (Karen Dotrice) and Michael (Matthew Garber), and in flies magical Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews, in an Oscar-winning performance). She's not at all what proper Mr. Banks (David Tomlinson) was looking for, but precisely what the children ordered! Mary takes control and whisks the kids on glorious adventures alongside her friend Bert (Dick Van Dyke), a one-man-band, sidewalk artist, and chimney sweep. Wonderful singing, dancing, and animation bring the story to life as this unusual nanny helps Mr. Banks find his way back to his children and what really matters in life.
Is It Any Good?
Rarely does a movie manage to be so much fun while delivering a simple, heartwarming story. While songs in today's Disney's musicals, though sometimes good, typically serve to explain the characters' emotions or intentions, the best songs in Mary Poppins use the feelings of the characters as starting points from which to take off and explore, often in wildly whimsical directions, complete with fun, energetic dance numbers. The story follows suit, using small plot events to take viewers to many unexpected places, where magical experiences and important messages await. The end result is one of the all-time great family movies.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Mary Poppins gets her messages across. What's easier to hear, a command or a song? How does Poppins get respect from others?
Why is it important to spend time together? What happens if people get too busy sometimes to "go fly a kite"?
How does Mary Poppins teach and demonstrate communication, compassion, and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 29, 1964
- On DVD or streaming : December 14, 2004
- Cast : David Tomlinson , Dick Van Dyke , Julie Andrews
- Director : Robert Stevenson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Integrity
- Run time : 140 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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