Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

I have a bias. This film charmed the freckles off me when I was 10. I fell in LOVE with it, a love that continues to this day. When I went to Germany, I visited Neuschwanstein castle, not because of Ludwig II or Richard Wagner--but because of this movie! It's perfectly cast, with brilliant, astounding music, and a design that knocks your socks off. There's only one moment where the magic languishes: when the picnic at the beach is almost over. It's one of those films that, frame by frame, only get better with each subsequent viewing--because it's so rich and deep. Dick Van Dyke was never better. Sally Ann Howe is perfect. Gert Frobe, Sir Robert Helpmann and Anna Quayle are by turns menacing and hilarious, the script by legendary Roald Dahl is mesmerizing and the art direction is breathtaking. However, this film about the love of a magical automobile may appeal more to boys than girls. No wonder they've made a stage musical of this. The only mystery is why it took them so long!

My two sons (now 4 and 2) have been obsessed with this movie for over a year now. They sing along to the songs and dance too - when old bamboo comes on, they pick up their sticks and hats and copy the routine. This is like an extended pantomime, with the scariest pantomime baddie in the history of movies. My brother couldn't sleep for a week after first seeing the childcatcher when he was 8. Anyway, this movie has everything - humour, pathos, great acting (and great casting), great songs and a great script (thank you Roald Dahl). I cannot fault this movie apart from the fact that it is a little long and the bit where they go off to vulgaria is a bit overextended. My family has now been to see the stage show twice too, and we are all firm "bang bang" nuts. If your kids have not seen this movie, then they haven't had a proper childhood!

Charming, but incredibly unfocused. Starts very sweetly and promisingly. However, from a point it takes one bizarre random turn after another. Still very sweet and innocent, but devoid of a plot (surprising, considering the screenplay was written by Roald Dahl, based on an Ian Fleming book). The random scenes needn't have been so irritating if director Ken Hughes had just kept them to a minimum, as the remainder of the movie is great. However, the fairy tale sequence goes on for an eternity. Good performances by Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes in the lead roles. The kids, Heather Ripley and Adrian Hall, are great too. Good support from James Robertson Justice. Interesting to see Benny Hill in the fairy tale sequence - one of the few highlights of that part. Music is so-so. Some songs were downright cringeworthy. Overall, the charm and innocence more than make up for the random plot, and it would be very difficult to dislike the movie. Kids will love it.

This movie is one of the greatest musicals of all time. The flow and movement of the story and interweaving of the gorgeous music is something I never get tired of. I remember viewing this film as a child and reading (and being much surprised that the author was none other than "oo7" himself, Ian Fleming!). The expansion of Mr. Fleming's novel is simply Scrumptious. Dick Van Dykes' portrayal of the eccentric inventor is just wonderful. Ilove it when he dances with the troupe at the carnival, stealing the show along with the fantastic dancers/singers who accompany him. The lullaby he sings to the children is one of my all-time favorite songs...it is so poignant and brilliantly written. Susan Ann Howes' role as Truly Scrumptious was delightful and when she is a music box ballerina she just melts my heart.... There is so much I could say about "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" but my recommendation is just to sit back with a bag of Spicy Nacho popcorn (My personal favorite) and enjoy!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was one of those films from my childhood that I never outgrew. Every song, every outrageous comic moment tattooed itself on my memory and my heart. I love this film. It's funny, it's touching and it's beautifully made. True, it's not for the cynical or for those who want realism. For those, however, who seek adventure, comedy, great songs and most of all fun this classic 60's musical delivers it all in great style. A truly fun family film, although very small children may not be able to sit still through the entire movie (even with the Intermission). CCBB will always be at the top of my favourite movie list. Do yourself a favour if you like fun musical comedies and see Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes do some truly scrumptious work.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of those classic films that will never get old. It stars Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes, Lionel Jeffries, Heather Ripley, and Adrian Hall. The plot centers on a father, his two children, a woman the father likes, and a car the father has invented. The car can float on water, and fly. The cars ability to do these things of course leads to the adventurous aspect of the movie. This movie really does a great job at being funny, very adventurous, musical, and throwing in some romance in too. It has good balance. The whole family will absolutely adore this film, I grew up watching this movie and have always loved it. The musical numbers are highly entertaining, the characters are very likable, the adventure is engaging, and the chemistry between the actors flows effortlessly. I suggest watching this as a family if you have children. It's just more fun this way. 10/10 for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.