'Mary Poppins Returns' is magical nonsense - Ashley B's Review

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Read Ashley B's review of Mary Poppins Returns. In Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns,” an all new original musical and sequel, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives following a personal loss. Emily Blunt (“A Quiet Place,” “The Girl on the Train”) stars as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any ordinary task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure and Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “Moana”) plays her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London. “Mary Poppins Returns” is directed by Rob Marshall (“Into the Woods,” “Chicago”).

PL Travers first introduced the world to the no-nonsense nanny in her 1934 children’s book “Mary Poppins.” However, the subsequent adventures of Mary Poppins remained only on the pages of the seven other PL Travers’ books…until now. “Mary Poppins Returns” is drawn from the wealth of material in these additional books. The film takes place in 1930s Depression-era London 24 years after the first film was set. Michael Banks works for the same financial institution that employed his father and still lives at 17 Cherry Tree Lane with his three children, Annabel, John and Georgie and their housekeeper Ellen. Carrying on in her mother’s tradition, Jane Banks campaigns for workers’ rights and provides a helping hand to Michael’s family. When the family suffers a personal loss, Mary Poppins magically re-enters their lives and with Jack’s help, brings joy and wonder back into their home.

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Mary Poppins Returns is in theaters on December 19th, 2018.

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Mary Poppins Returns is the continuation of the original Mary Poppins film from 1964. It skips ahead 20 years to 1930s London during the post depression-era as a single father struggles to keep his home for him and his three children. Mary Poppins sees it as the perfect opportunity to bring use magic to bring joy and optimism back into the family’s lives. Can Emily Blunt bring the same magical bliss as Mary Poppins or is it a role left for her predecessor?

Going into this film I was not sure what to expect since the bar was set so high from the version from the mid ‘60s. Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda set out to reach that bar but fell just a little short. Although this movie still has the whimsical and majestic feel to it, it feels out of place in some parts and the music is forgettable.

That is not to say that it was not enjoyable. This movie is better viewed for what it is: magical nonsense packed into family fun. Emily Blunt still delivers the classy sass of Mary Poppins and adds her own twist to it which was nice to watch. Even Lin Manuel-Miranda adds his own flair to his character which was perfect for him. There are several characters and nods to the first Mary Poppins which had me smiling from ear to ear at the reference that only those who watched the previous movie will understand making the cameos the icing on the cake.

If you watch this film I would suggest trying to separate the two movies and watching it for what it is to make it less of a comparison and just sit back and enjoy. Watching it as a fresh reboot makes it quite interesting to watch and may even leave you wanting to watch it for seconds and thirds of the spoonful of sugar it delivers.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

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Ashley (Contributing Editor) is an Orlando native who loves watching movies. Her favorite genres include comedies, thrillers and sci-fi.
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