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Movie Review: Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Mary Poppins Returns (2018), directed by Rob Marshall, is a delightful sequel to Disney’s beloved 1964 classic Mary Poppins. Starring Emily Blunt as the iconic magical nanny, the film revisits the whimsical world of Cherry Tree Lane, blending nostalgia with fresh energy. Set in 1930s London during the Great Depression, Mary Poppins Returns retains the charm and joy of the original, while introducing a new generation to the wonders of Mary Poppins.

The story follows the now-adult Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw), who is struggling to raise his three children after the tragic death of his wife. Michael’s sister, Jane (Emily Mortimer), tries to help, but the family faces financial troubles and the threat of losing their home. In their time of need, Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) descends from the sky, just as she did when Michael and Jane were children, to bring order and magic back into their lives. With the help of a friendly lamplighter named Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda), Mary Poppins takes the Banks children on fantastical adventures, teaching them valuable life lessons along the way.

Emily Blunt shines as Mary Poppins, bringing her own spin to the character while staying true to the essence of Julie Andrews’ portrayal. Blunt’s Mary Poppins is both playful and stern, full of wit, grace, and a bit of mystery. Her performance captures the magic and poise of the original character while infusing her with a modern edge. Blunt’s singing is also impressive, particularly in songs like “Can You Imagine That?” and “The Place Where Lost Things Go,” where she showcases both whimsy and tenderness.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Jack, a cheerful lamplighter and former apprentice of Bert (played by Dick Van Dyke in the original film), brings warmth and charisma to the film. His character serves as a loyal companion to Mary Poppins, and Miranda’s upbeat performance and lively musical numbers, such as “Trip a Little Light Fantastic,” inject a sense of fun and energy into the movie. His natural charm, coupled with his talent for music and dance, makes Jack an engaging addition to the story.

The film’s musical score, composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Scott Wittman, is full of new songs that aim to recapture the magic of the original. While none of the songs quite reach the iconic status of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” or “A Spoonful of Sugar,” they are catchy and heartfelt. Standout numbers include “A Cover Is Not the Book,” a lively and whimsical sequence featuring Blunt and Miranda, and “Nowhere to Go But Up,” a feel-good song that brings the film to a joyful conclusion.

Visually, Mary Poppins Returns is a feast for the eyes, blending live-action with vibrant animation in sequences reminiscent of the original. The animated musical number “The Royal Doulton Music Hall” is particularly memorable, transporting the characters (and the audience) into a beautifully crafted, colorful world. The production design, costumes, and special effects are all meticulously crafted, bringing a sense of magic and wonder to the screen.

The film also includes several nods to the original Mary Poppins, from small visual references to cameos by iconic actors, such as Dick Van Dyke, who returns for a brief but heartwarming role as Mr. Dawes Jr. Angela Lansbury also makes a delightful appearance as the Balloon Lady, adding another layer of nostalgia for longtime fans.

While Mary Poppins Returns is full of charm, some viewers may feel that it leans too heavily on the nostalgia of the original without adding enough new substance. The film follows a similar structure to its predecessor, with a series of whimsical adventures leading up to a heartwarming conclusion. However, the strong performances, particularly from Blunt and Miranda, help the film stand on its own as a worthy continuation of the story.

Conclusion: Mary Poppins Returns (2018) is a magical, uplifting sequel that pays homage to the original while introducing a new generation to the wonder of Mary Poppins. Emily Blunt delivers a standout performance, and the film’s vibrant visuals and catchy songs make it a joy to watch. While it may not surpass the original in terms of lasting impact, it is a charming and nostalgic journey that captures the essence of what made Mary Poppins a timeless classic.