It isn’t practically perfect in every way like the original film, but Mary Poppins Returns is definitely still a film worth watching. It is very difficult for a sequel to measure up to the original film, especially a film as iconic and well-known as Mary Poppins. However, the sequel does a great job of continuing the story of the Banks family and all of the magic and joy that Mary Poppins brings to their lives.
Jane and Michael never thought they would see Mary Poppins again after their childhood adventures with her, but she returns when they are adults and have children of their own. Mary Poppins is played by Emily Blunt in the sequel and effectively captures the essence of the iconic character. The film also features other famous actors actors, like Lin-Manuel Miranda who plays Jack, a leerie (or lamplighter) and Meryl Streep who plays Poppins’ eccentric cousin Topsy.
The story returns to the Banks family living on Cherry Tree Lane, and they are once again in a state of disarray where the children are not paid enough attention. The original tale takes place during the 1930s in the midst of the Great Depression and Michael is facing the horrible possibility that he could lose the Banks’ family house.
This time Mary Poppins becomes the nanny for Michael’s children and shows them the unique magic she possesses when she takes them on adventures. The story is very compelling and incorporates humor, emotion and elements of the original film to garner a sense of nostalgia.
The visuals and effects during the adventures the children go on truly highlight the fantasy and magic that is woven throughout the film. There is a scene that incorporates the combination of live action and animation when Mary Poppins, once again, brings the children into a whimsical, animated world, this time through a ceramic bowl. This is one of the many parallels to the original film that Mary Poppins fans fully appreciated.
In addition to the story and the visuals, the musical numbers were a significant part of the film and story. The songs and dance numbers are entertaining and fun to watch, but they lack the catchy melodies and memorable lyrics of the original movie, like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” or “A Spoonful of Sugar.” The soundtrack did not skyrocket to the top of the music charts like many Disney movies do, due to the lack of unforgettable songs.
Despite all of this, at the end of the day, it’s a feel good movie that allows viewers to escape to a magical world where anything is possible.
