Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

Director: Ken Hughes

Starring: Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes, Lionel Jeffries

A down-on-his-luck inventor turns a broken-down Grand Prix car into a fancy vehicle for his children, and then they go off on a magical fantasy adventure to save their grandfather in a far-off land.

‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ is an exciting and funny fantasy adventure movie…for kids…

Let me be honest, I enjoyed the story about Caractacus Potts, a single inventor dad living with his two kids Jemima and Jeremy, and Grandfather. When Truly Scrumptious (yes, that’s her name!) arrived on the scene, I knew she was going to be the romantic interest. I enjoyed the initial different opinions between Caractacus and Truly, and how they became friends, with Truly becoming a mother figure to the children.

I lost interest in the movie the moment Caractacus started telling his pirate story, and more than half the film was taken up by this story. I didn’t care for the characters in his story, neither the events. I wanted the movie to return to its original premise, but that didn’t happen until the final few minutes.

Before Caractacus started telling his story, there were funny moments that made me smile in adoration for the characters. The events – and characters – in his pirate story was so slapstick, it reminded me of a Monty Python movie. I can’t handle slapstick comedy and I immediately lost interest in the film. In fact, it became almost unwatchable (for me, because I hate slapstick).

Being made back in 1968 I also found the dance routines very dated, and even a bit on the silly side. Sure, back then it was exciting, I’m sure, but with a vast array of musicals to choose from nowadays ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ is not a movie I will be watching again.

Having said that, this is still a delightful movie for kids. I’m sure they will have a great time with it and will definitely find it funnier than I did. With fantasy and adventure elements, a castle, and a flying car, there certainly is much to love. Unfortunately, this is just not for me. I can commend the film on a great production design, beautiful costumes, and interesting inventions. It must have been incredible back in the day.

The film was a box office disappointment, so I suppose I’m not the only one who didn’t find it all that entertaining… At least the film received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

Would I watch it again? No.