Film Review: Mary Poppins Returns Triumphantly
Mary Poppins Returns is one of the happiest films of the year. I cannot recall another movie from which I walked out feeling so exuberantly joyful. It thrives as a breathe of fresh air; allowing you to feel a little less anxious about your life, and letting you believe that, in the end, it can all work out.
Mary Poppins Returns succeeds by following the now older Banks children, as well as the new generation, and setting up that adulthood has not been kind to these once adorable kids. Though they have grown into generous, good people, financially, they are on the cusp of oblivion, which is relatable to so many families. Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks is so sweet and subtly tragic. Mary Poppins appearance is not only to take care of his kids, whom have suffered the traumatic death of their mom, but also to remind him and his lovely sister Jane (Emily Mortimer) that there is a difference between growing up and growing old. Gaining years does not mean getting tired; it means getting wiser.
Similar to the original Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins Returns is quietly educational. It is a parental guide on how to make chores fun, not get children involved in adult issues, and remember they are young but not dumber. Georgie (Joel Dawson), Anabel (Pixie Davis), and John (Nathanael Saleh) are so smart, strong, loving and astute as children. These actors assure their characters represent what kids are in essence: younger people. A child is not some grand entity or a species separated by age. They are persons that can be highly aware of their surroundings, but still have a noble and innocent enough heart to enjoy them. Emily Blunt’s take on Mary Poppins shines because she sees this.
I am going to admit it! When Mary Poppins appeared onscreen…… I cried. I do not know why, but the sheer anticipation of seeing her made me sentimental. Adults will love this film because it summons your inner child, and Blunt’s Mary Poppins makes you magically fall in line. She exudes the qualities of Ms.Poppins that you never realized you loved so much. After all, it has been 54 years since the world’s best nanny appeared on cinema screens. Thus, Blunt reminds us that Ms. Poppins was incredibly snarky, always knew what the kids were up to, aware of others’ need, universally wise, and, of course, magical.
The reason you love Emily Blunt’s take on Mary Poppins is because she makes you remember how much you love this character. Her ability to be firm and fun is what makes Ms. Poppins the best person to take care of kids EVER. Moreover, because the Banks’ family is so obviously going through a hard time, you cheer when you see these kids’ laughing and their elders feeling as if, perhaps, they can win the financial battle ahead. Again, I have to give kudos to Mary Poppins Returns, and its writer David Magee and Director Rob Marshal, for giving a storyline that is humbled and grounded in real life issues like, bankruptcy or bereavement. They did the most Disney thing ever: GIVE HOPE!
People think that Disney is beloved because it is magical, but it is because its hopeful. Cinematically, this film feels like a candy land of color and animation. It is visually stunning and crisp. The costuming is equally gorgeous and vibrant. Moreover, the way each music number is maneuvered into the storyline like, a tiny, sonic adventure twisted into the plot, is perfect. Still, I kept thinking of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” but then I humbled myself and realized those songs were for my childhood. Instead, kids are going to be singing “Trip a Little Light Fantastic” and “Nowhere to Go But Up;” those are going to be this generation’s versions of such songs. These songs are as lively and as positive as the original soundtrack was for its generation.
The music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman is perfect for igniting kids’ fantasies and teaching them moral lessons. I genuinely forgot how educative Mary Poppins is, and Lin Manuel Miranda’s Jack does not fall behind in giving music and optimism through his every appearance. From his rendition of the Penguin Dance during “A Cover Is Not the Book” to his dance with fellow chimney sweepers was, for me, one of the best moments of the film. Miranda makes Jack so kind and warm that you feel him worthy to fill the essence of Dick Van Dyke’s Bert. By the way, Dick Van Dyke makes an appearance in this film that is so richly wonderful, people were audibly giddy. Both his and the penguins’ onscreen appearance had grown adults clapping like little kids. Ultimately, I loved Mary Poppins Returns, and my inner child was super happy to see it. Mary Poppins Returns Comes Out In theaters December 19.
