Chim Chiminy, Chim Chiminy, Chim Chim Chiree!
It’s a cute little tune that I catch myself humming quite often. More so, I seem to sing along to it when I’m trying to get the little ones to clean up. After all, “in every job that must be done, there is an element of fun,” is there not? Surely, I must’ve picked up this tendency and way of thinking from a rather superb place. Well, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious to be exact!
If you’re not catching on to my transparent hinting by now, let me clue you in – Mary Poppins!
I’m a sucker for old movies and this is definitely one of my favorites of the bunch. I can vividly remember my childhood consisting of watching, rewinding, and watching again, this lovely little tale on VHS. After remembering just about every line and most certainly memorizing all of the songs, this movie definitely carved its own little niche into my youth. Somehow, though, over the years I lost touch with good ol’ Mary Poppins and the fun, melodic crew. My coveted VHS films vanished after the switch to DVD and Bly-Ray. At the time, I hadn’t been able to find a new copy of the movie so I, sadly, had to say goodbye to the Banks family. Until now…
Recently rereleased to celebrate its 50th anniversary, this adorable film is making its way back into homes across the country. And doing so just in time for the holidays at that!
“Starring ick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews in her Academy-Award winning role, and featuring iconic toe-tapping songs including ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’ and ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,’ Mary Poppins is a movie experience your whole family will enjoy again and again.”
Now, since we haven’t had the movie on hand for quite some time, it dawned on me that my little ones have never (ever!) seen it. That is NOT okay. Needless to say, the brand new DVD & Blu-Ray Combo Pack that Disney was kind enough to send us has definitely made the rounds for our home movie nights time and time again.
The kids love the sights and sounds throughout the film just as I did at their age. I, on the other hand, have finally taken note of the true storyline. I am glad that I am finally getting the chance to watch and enjoy Mary Poppins as an adult because it finally allows me to appreciate the film on a much deeper level. The story about busy parents and attention craving children rings true now more than ever. With a technologically advanced crowd and hectic, on-the-go lifestyle, this movie reminds us to take a step back and appreciate everything that we have right in front of us.
With both of their parents swamped in their work as a banker and a women’s rights activist, respectively, Jane and Michael Banks break out their rebellious sides and run off the family’s nanny. Of course, due to their parents’ busy schedules, a new nanny needs to be found immediately. Now, Jane and Michael have their own ideas of what qualities this new nanny must possess but their father ignores their requests to alter the newspaper advertisement.
After tearing up their witty song lyrics, Mr. Banks tosses the torn paper up the chimney. With their wishes, quite literally, going up in smoke, the kids head to bed disappointed once more. However, this is where the true Disney magic kicks in.
There she is, right on their doorstep the next morning – Mary Poppins. After blowing away all other competition, Mary Poppins lands the job as the new Banks’ family nanny. From there, we’re whisked off onto an amazing escapade through street art, park adventures, and even an upside-down hanging from the ceiling tea party. Naturally, the children become quite attached to their “practically perfect” new nanny. Just look at all of the fun!
Of course, all fun does not come without some dismay. While the kids were off having a good time with their wonderful new nanny, their father ran into hard times at work. Saddened and frustrated by finances that have the very real possibility of jeopardizing his family’s livelihood, Mr. Banks is taken aback with worry. Previously only concerned with assets with a materialistic view on life, Mr. Banks finally realizes the meaning of, well, everything. Everything that Mary Poppins has strived to teach the family, everything that Mary Poppins is, and everything that Mary Poppins represents. Despite the chaos and uncertainty of the outside world, all money aside, Mr. Banks truly is the richest man in the world because he has something far more valuable – his family.
Enjoy the magic of this timeless tale with your own family, now, in your very own home!
Buy:
You can purchase the Mary Poppins 50th Anniversary Edition on DVD & Blu-ray Combo Pack direct from the Disney website as well as from a vast variety of entertainment retailers, both, online and in-store nationwide for an ARV of $29.95.
Connect:
Be sure to keep up with all things Mary Poppins via social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to further enjoy all of the fun antics and love.
And while you’re at it, keep a close watch on Disney’s film Saving Mr. Banks (now in theaters!) and the tale of how Mary Poppins was brought to life.
*Randi received the above product(s), free of charge, to facilitate this review. All opinions are those of the reviewer only.
