Mary Poppins

Name: Mary Poppins
Item: Mary Poppins
Rating: 5
Author: Common Sense Media Editors

Movie review by

Common Sense Me..., Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 6+

(i)

World's coolest nanny celebrates family and fun.

G
1964
140 minutes

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Parents recommendPopular with kids

Parents say

age 4+

Based on 44 reviews

Kids say

age 5+

Based on 39 reviews

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Official trailer

Mary Poppins

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Mary Poppins Movie: Burt, Mary, and the children

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We think this movie stands out for:

Character Strengths

A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Educational Value

Some of the songs have phrases that have become mainstream lore, such as "A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down."

Positive Messages

Themes include empathy and gratitude. Kindness to all people, whether rich or poor, is advocated. Also, the value of play, fun, and hard work is underscored by Poppins, as is the dignity and importance of children. A minor quibble: The fight for women's right to vote is shown in a somewhat frivolous light.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Mary Poppins is mysterious, firm, kind, and caring. She's the very picture of an independent woman. She demonstrates compassion, communication skills, and integrity. Even without her magical ways, she's the perfect nanny. Though Mr. Banks begins as an aloof father, he sees the error of his ways and engages with his children in the end.

Violence & Scariness

One of the neighbors pretends to be in battle and fires cannons from his rooftop -- it's loud and jolting, but no one gets hurt.

Sexy Stuff

A little flirting and hand-holding between Bert and Mary Poppins.

Language

Consumerism

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Father drinks what looks like brandy. Minor characters smoke cigars.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Mary Poppins is a classic 1964 musical about a nanny with supernatural powers. Though the pace is rollicking and sometimes chaotic, there are no dangerous or dark elements. Melodic music, fancy dancing, and cartoon segments will engage even the youngest viewers. The father of the family is shown drinking brandy, but isn't drunk; minor characters smoke cigars.

Parent of a 2 and 5 year old Written byTomDarla October 12, 2009

age 4+

Kids love the music, magic, and fun

Kids at a very young age will enjoy this magical classic. Our child loved watching this movie soon after he turned 4. He is sensitive to tense scenes and confli... Continue reading

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Parent Written byannielight January 13, 2011

age 4+

Enchanting for a 4-year old

My 4-year old has a great attention span, and so this movie (which is a bit long and can seem slow in places) worked well for him. He just delights in the songs... Continue reading

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Kid, 8 years old December 5, 2010

age 6+

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Teen, 14 years old Written byilovecookiez April 6, 2011

age 2+

I knew this was gonna get 5 stars xD

I would watch this all the time when I was little. Me, my Mother, and my Grandma would sing her song about a really long word they made up that I forget. It... Continue reading

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What's the story?

In 1910 Britain, a British family seeks a new nanny for young Jane and Michael, and in flies magical MARY POPPINS (Julie Andrews, in an Oscar-winning performance). She's not at all what proper Mr. Banks was looking for, but precisely what the children ordered! Mary takes control and takes the children on glorious adventures. The kids also frolic with Bert (Dick Van Dyke), a one-man-band, sidewalk artist, and chimney sweep. Wonderful singing, dancing, and animation bring the story to life as somehow this unusual nanny helps Mr. Banks show love to his children, and the whole family appreciate each other all the more.

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, only 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.

The story follows suit, using small plot events to take viewers to many unexpected places. 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? What about gratitude and empathy? Why are these important character strengths?