Forget the affable super-nanny of Disney's 1964 movie musical, Mary Poppins. As reconceived by director Richard Eyre (Iris) and codirector Matthew Bourne (the dance genius behind 1998's très gay Swan Lake), Mary (Ashley Brown) becomes a smug therapist to the cranky, morose Banks family. Lessons abound, including a creepy scene where little Jane and Michael are put on trial by their toys. Imported from London, this adaptation teeters between saccharine and tart in what feels like a creative tug-of-war. ''I'm practically perfect,'' Mary trills. More like oddly schizophrenic.
EW's GRADE
B-Details Opening Date: Nov 16, 2006; Lead Performances: Ashley Brown, Gavin Lee and Rebecca Luker; Writer: P.L. Travers; Directors: Matthew Bourne, Richard Eyre
Advertisement
Today's Most Popular
-
Photo Gallery 'Vampire Diaries': EW exclusive pics!
Our Partners
Movie Calendar
- January 3
- January 4
- January 6
- January 13
- January 20
- January 27
- February 3
- February 10
- February 17
- February 24
- March 2
- March 9
- March 16
- March 23
- March 30
- April 4
- April 6
- April 13
- April 20
- April 27
- * Dates subject to change
Add your comment
The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.