REVIEW: Mary Poppins Returns is Practically Perfect in Every Way
54 years ago, the wind changed and a Nanny with an endless bag of tricks and a talking umbrella came down from the London sky to help George Banks and his children, Michael and Jane. This nanny was Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews), and with the help of chimney sweep Bert (Dick Van Dyke), the two did just that. Mary Poppins has returned to the city of London, this time she to help Jane, Michael, and Michael’s children get back the thrill and magic of being children in Mary Poppins Returns.
Emily Blunt steps into the role of Mary Poppins for Walt Disney Studios’ new movie and this is not a pair of shoes just anyone can fill. Emily creates her own version of the iconic character without forgetting the original. She is charming, a bit sassy, and rewarding as Mary Poppins, helping bring to life a story that is whimsical from start to finish. This was a role she was meant to play. Lin-Manuel Miranda plays her sidekick, lamplighter Jack, and is brilliant alongside Emily. His charisma and genuine love for the role can be seen in every scene he is in. It is not easy following in the footsteps of Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, but these two did it and did it well.
The entire cast and crew do a nice job of creating scenes that are just as magical and beautiful as the original. The mix of animation and live action is a lovely nod to the film’s predecessor and done in a way that isn’t an exact copy of Mary Poppins, rather it pays homage. Songs overflow the film and while there aren’t any as catchy as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite’, they’re still quite enjoyable. The song and dance numbers will have you dancing in your seat and the soundtrack may be worth a revisit when you get home.
It may not have been necessary to make this movie, but I’m sure glad they did. This was a brand-new take on a beloved character that brought such joy to so many when she first appeared on screen all those years ago. That joy rings true in this story. From the second Mary Poppins appears out of the sky, your face will light up and it will stay that way throughout the entire movie. This is a movie for the young and old, for Mary Poppins fans new and old. Go see this movie with your loved ones this holiday season. It will definitely be worth it.
Grade: A