Three children evacuated from London during World War II are forced to stay with an eccentric spinster (Eglantine Price). The children's initial fears disappear when they find out she is in fact a trainee witch.
The Disney organization is worst when it makes "family entertainment" and best when it sticks to pure, simple, charming fantasy.
– Roger Ebert,
Chicago Sun-Times,
23 Oct 2004
rotten:
I suspect the movie will be something of a long, uninterrupted sit for the very children for whom it's intended, and an even longer one for those parents and guardians (both adults and teen-age) who will probably accompany them.
– Vincent Canby,
New York Times,
9 May 2005
fresh:
It is when the film [based on the book by Mary Norton] dives deeply into the realms of fantasy that it is most enjoyable.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
26 Mar 2009
rotten:
The fantasy is earthbound, the score by Richard and Robert Sherman (who also wrote music and lyrics for Mary Poppins) is forgettable, the special effects lackadaisical.
– Jay Cocks,
TIME Magazine,
3 Nov 2009
rotten:
It's more sophisticated than the usual run of Disney product, but it lacks the inventiveness that could endow it with genuine charm.