Graehme Middleton

I never saw a drama that got so many laughs out of me. It was surreal to sit in an audience that was laughing once or twice a minute-- almost in spite of themselves (given the dark subject matter.) And yet it wasn't a comedy. It was just a beautiful character study and an intriguing story, refusing to be bound by genre. And behind all the laughter, it was deeply affecting. Not that the Oscars matter, but if they did, I'd argue that this one should have won.

What is there to say that hasn't already been said? This movie is perfect. It's a send up of all the genre conventions, while still managing to nail classic structure and character growth. It's not cynical-- it has a heart. It takes itself seriously, just not too much. This is a movie that you could watch 3 times a day and not get sick of it. And lord knows I have.

We didn't need a sequel to Mary Poppins, but if you're gonna make one this is how to do it. Whimsical and full of nonsensical non-sequiturs. The plot doesn't matter even a little, and the movie doesn't waste time pretending it does. No needless reprises and only a few obligatory cameos. Of all the movies to lean into nostalgia lately, this one does it the most tactfully.

Not the perfect Disney movie, but it is my favorite. From the animation style to Alan Menken's (as always) amazing songs to the best Disney villain (eat your heart out Ursula), this is the first movie I'm showing my kids.

This movie activated the imagination of 15-year-old me. It's about the feeling of adventure and scale, and making the viewer feel like they are in the world of the story. It's an experience. When this movie came out, that had never been done before. Perfect for what it is, exhilarating and memorable, one million out of ten.