Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
PG | 2h 10min | Comedy, Family, Fantasy | 19 December 2018 (USA)
Synopsis: Decades after her original visit, the magical nanny returns to help the Banks siblings and Michael’s children through a difficult time in their lives.
Award probability: 85% with high points for music, costume design, and visuals. Certainly the feel good movie of the year.
Review: In a world of heavy, dramatic, films – especially during award season – a movie like MARY POPPINS RETURNS is such a breath of fresh, bibbidy boop air. It is a must see and see again for any fan of the original or of stunning Disney musicals.
The reason for Mary’s (Emily Blunt) return is of course the Banks children. Michael (Ben Whishaw) and Jane (Emily Mortimer) have grown up and Michael has young kids of his own. Since his wife’s passing – this is Disney after all – he has found himself in financial straights and about to lose the family home. Mary Poppins comes to make it all right with a song and some sensible wisdom.
There are magical original songs and expert choreography. Then again it does have Lin-Manuel Miranda who plays Jack, the lamp lighting crooner. He brings his personality to each musical number and elevates the energy. Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman have created a sing along soundtrack of new favorites including Can You Imagine That, A Cover Is Not The Book, Trip a Little Light Fantastic, The Place Where Lost Things Go, and (Underneath the) Lovely London Sky.
Blunt is the perfect Mary Poppins and those who are endeared with Julie Andrews will give two thumbs way up for the elements Emily brings to the role. The movie as a whole respects the original and offers fans many nods to the 1964 flick. Rated PG for some mild thematic elements and brief action MARY POPPINS RETURNS is not only the perfect Christmas movie but one to rewatch year round.
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