In Other Words – A Movie Review by Mark Pintar

Of

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Starring: Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes

chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Starring: Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes

A favorite movie my childhood is “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. It is the delightful story of a slightly wacky inventor, Caractacus Potts (Dick Van Dyke) and the very special car he brings to life for his children. The car, dubbed “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” after the sounds it makes, is coveted by the mean king of a nearby country. The king sends his spies to steal the car, but they end up kidnapping Grandpa Potts instead, mistaking him for the inventor of the car.

This movie is a whole lot of fun! Interwoven with a number of sing-aolng-able songs (the DVD even has a sing along version you can watch) and fun choreography. We sometimes forget how good of a dancer Dick Van Dyke used to be. The story is a blast, too. You’ll get a kick out of Potts’ inventions, and the slightly, and more than slightly, goofy characters.

There is a message here, as well. First, be true to yourself and your gifts. Potts has several pressures to give up inventing and get a “real job,” but is encouraged by his children to keep at it. Also, the quality of perseverance is emphasized. Inventors have to deal with mistakes and failures a lot, but perseverance and belief in what they’re doing helps them keep going. (There’s even a song about that in the movie.)

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is fun for the whole family. While a bit long and dated in a few spots, it is still “Truly Scrumptious”.

--- © 2004, In Other Words, A Book and Movie Review by Mark Pintar

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