For what it's worth, I've not seen either movie. Mary Poppins may be a classic, beloved film, but it just doesn't appeal to me. Could be that I'd love it, but I have no desire to invest the time to find out. On the other hand, my wife and I have been planning to see Saving Mr. Banks, despite our disappointment with Mr HANKS' liberal delusions.
One thing that stood out in the review was Mr. Podhoretz's slam on Disney movies of that era. Was he judging them in the context of the times, or comparing them with more modern movies? I saw quite a few Disney movies as a kid, and usually found them entertaining and/or just as well-made as anything else of the era.
Knocking The Shaggy Dog or The Absent-Minded Professor? Heck, even Old Yeller and Bambi taught me that it was ok to cry
Lighten up, John Podhoretz!
His review totally ignores the film’s powerful portrayal of her alcoholic father, It explain s much about her personality,
I thought I might like it too when it appeared on tv a month or so ago. I hated it. And I used to like Disney flicks. Travers was right to protest the ruining of her book.
“One thing that stood out in the review was Mr. Podhoretz’s slam on Disney movies of that era.”
I know! I’ve never seen the shaggy dog, but I’m sure I’ve seen the absent-minded professor.
As I recall (and I was a little kid, so who knows) Disney was always successful and made movies the whole family could enjoy. I don’t think anybody (Disney included) saw them as works of art, they were just entertainment, which is a fine thing to be quite frankly. That’s the lesson of “Sullivan’s Travels” which, if you’ve never seen it, is a great movie.
Oy, and he seems to take it all soooooo seriously. Very strange.
She never cried when old Yeller died
So do you think I'll cry when she's gone?
Confederate Railroad - She Never Cried