Close to the book

Rating: 6/10 (20 January 2014)

I grew up in Soviet Ukraine and my first encounter with Mary Poppins was through 1983 Russian movie. Still I liked book - the original - much better. When I moved to the US I was really anxious to see the Disney Mary Poppins movie. When I did I was disappointed, almost let down. To start with, this minuscule character Bert - why is he given such huge part in the movie? Then, where are Neleus, Miss Andrews, talking dogs and babies? SO much had been left out. The movie 'Saving Mr. Banks' is very good and Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson are very good in it, But between you and I, the 1963 movie is not even 10% as good as the book. P.L.Travers is indignant the whole film, and sometimes I began hating her for that, but she is so right and every bit justified in her indignation. BTW, she continued hating the film, despite the release of the rights to charming and very persistent Mr. Disney. In my opinion, the book is better fitted to be turned into a mini-series, each episode showcasing another aspect of MP's awesomeness and magic. Hopefully some day they will make those mini-series and do the great magical book justice.