Mary Poppins For Sensitive 3.5 Yr Old?

[greendaddy]

It's been years since I've seen the movie so I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts/recollections of anything in the movie that would be unsuitable for a very sensitive 3.5 yr old. We are currently reading the book to her, which she is enjoying, so thought maybe the movie would be fun, too.

My DD is sensitive to the point that when we got the scene in Milo and Otis where the crab pinches the cat's lip she was sobbing, poor thing!

So, does anyone remember any scenes in Poppins that show violent, mean, unfriendly, angry, loud, painful, aggressive, hurtful, sad, etc. actions/behavior directed at/involving humans/animals/imaginary beasties or any image that may be frightening (such as Hefalumps in Pooh)?

Keep in mind that she's VERY sensitive, that we don't watch TV and that the movies she's seen include 2 Imax movies (Alaska and Whales) and a DVD of the Berlin Philharmonic playing Beethoven -- so she is not desensitized to images/scenes that the rest of us media-exposed types don't think twice about.

Any help or advice would be appreciated! Thank you in advance.

[Thalia the Muse]

Well, ANYTHING can be upsetting, depending on the kid. I mean, my daughter has been freaked out by a George and Martha story during a particularly sensitive phase.

The only thing that might be really problematic in Mary Poppins is that their father is angry at the kids a lot and not very affectionate. The scene where they visit him at the bank and the partner tries to take away their sixpence, then their father is in disgrace, could be upsetting. Overall, it's quite innocuous though, and there's no physical danger or real cruelty, and of course it all turns out well in the end. I do think the book "Mary Poppins" has much more potential disturbing or frightening material than the movie, so if she's OK with the book the movie shouldn't be too much for her.

[mammastar2]

I agree.

The only thing is that it's a bit long - we still tend to just fast forward to favorite bits.

[whateverdidiwants]

During the "Step in Time" number, the neighbor shoots fireworks at the chimney sweeps who are dancing on the roof with Burt.

[greendaddy]

Thanks, all! We watched it on Friday night and DD enjoyed it! All in all, I'd say it was better that the book. The Disney'fied Mary Poppins is much nicer than the one in the book.

There was nothing that bothered DD, other than the scene when the kids escape from the bank and are running through some dark alleyways...she said she felt "a little anxious."

It did bother me quite a bit how the adults talked about the kids in the movie. Not at all respectful! I always wonder how much of that DD picks up on.

Anyway, thank you again for your feedback!