"Bedknobs and Broomsticks" isn't a bad movie. However, it's certainly among the lesser animated movies Disney has made...mostly because the film seems like it's jam-packed with filler...and barely enough plot to merit 45 minutes...let alone 117 minutes.
The film is set in Britain in 1940....during WWII. Miss Price (Angela Lansbury) is a unique woman who spends her time taking correspondance classes on witchcraft. However, when some kids are thrust into her care because of the Blitz, they all have various adventures....leading to a climactic encounter with a raiding party of German soldiers.
So why am I so indifferent to the film? Much of it is focus...or the lack of it. Instead of sticking with the plot, the story goes off to Portobello Road...where all sorts of singing and dancing occurs (thus boring the kids for whom the film is intended). Then, instead of returning to the story, it goes off on an extended animated segment that is enjoyable BUT has pretty much nothing to do with the plot. Overall, a few nice moments and a good ending but otherwise forgettable songs and a plot that is beyond just meandering.
The film is set in Britain in 1940....during WWII. Miss Price (Angela Lansbury) is a unique woman who spends her time taking correspondance classes on witchcraft. However, when some kids are thrust into her care because of the Blitz, they all have various adventures....leading to a climactic encounter with a raiding party of German soldiers.
So why am I so indifferent to the film? Much of it is focus...or the lack of it. Instead of sticking with the plot, the story goes off to Portobello Road...where all sorts of singing and dancing occurs (thus boring the kids for whom the film is intended). Then, instead of returning to the story, it goes off on an extended animated segment that is enjoyable BUT has pretty much nothing to do with the plot. Overall, a few nice moments and a good ending but otherwise forgettable songs and a plot that is beyond just meandering.