Mary Poppins Returns (2018) Review

With her signature umbrella and carpet bag in tow, Mary Poppins has returned to cinemas to grace us with her enigmatic presence. Mary Poppins Returns (2018) is the 54-year-long awaited sequel to the revered Disney Classic Mary Poppins (1964), based on the books by P.L. Travers. The original film was critically acclaimed, bringing home five Academy Awards, and is considered an achievement of its time. Disney’s blend of live-action and animation, combined with the film’s practical visual effects make it a spectacle for all to see and is visually striking for both first time and repeat viewers.

Mary Poppins is the chic, proper, and all-knowing nanny of the Banks children. Mary Poppins is renowned, but also a woman of mystery. Her origin is unknown, but her reputation precedes her. Mary Poppins bring joy and wonder to those in need. Mary Poppins is kind, but firm. If she acts as though she knows best, it’s because she does (a spoonful of sugar really does help the medicine go down). In her own words, Mary Poppins is practically perfect in every way.

During the Depression era, the streets of London are dark and dreary. Decades have passed since the events of the first film and Michael and Jane Banks are now grown adults. Any memory of magical nannies have been tucked away with the rest of their childhood belongings. Jane, much like her mother, is a fiercely independent woman working as a labor organizer. Michael is a struggling painter, recently widowed, with three young children to look after. It’s hard times for the Banks family and money is tight. In fact, they’re days away from losing their beloved family home on Cherry Tree Lane. But not if Mary Poppins has anything to do with it.

While there is truth to the sentiment that desperate times call for desperate measures, Mary Poppins flies in during the Banks’ hour of need to show them the light in the dark, or the lamplight in the fog. In essence, Mary Poppins’ raison d’etre is to reveal the fun in the mundane, to turn chores into games. She shows us how to look at things from a different and sometimes topsy turvy perspective. With a little creativity and imagination, she adds a touch of positivity to a harsh reality. She teaches us to never lose our sense of wonder, and reminds us not to get caught up in the seriousness of life.

This musical fantasy is directed by Rob Marshall, whose previous musical film credits include Chicago and Into the Woods. While following up on such an iconic film is no doubt a daunting task, Mary Poppins Returns successfully captures the charm and spirit of the original. The musical sequences throughout the film are energetic and lively, and the melodies are sure to be stuck in your head after the credits roll. Each performance is a spectacle, with colorful costumes and elaborate set designs, and each song delivers a positive message to contrast the otherwise dreary and depressing setting. Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) and Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda) are a joy to watch onscreen. Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) is a particularly standout character as the crestfallen single father desperate to keep everything from falling apart. Whishaw’s performance is genuinely touching as Michael grows closer to his children, learns to let go, and rediscovers the magic of simply believing that anything is possible.

The ending sequence, which features the song “Nowhere To Go But Up”, is very poignant. It is the most inspiring part of the film which beautifully wraps up the story of the Banks family. Mary Poppins Returns is a MUST-SEE for fans of the original. The mixture of live-action and animation, combined with an incredible soundtrack, make the film a visual and audible delight for all ages. Dick Van Dyke’s tap dancing cameo is worth the ticket price alone! Mary Poppins Returns will inspire audiences to never close the door on experiencing joy and wonder, and to always seek the light in the dark. While she may scold you for letting your mouth hang open or for not sitting up straight, Mary Poppins reminds us that everything is possible, even the impossible.