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'Mary Poppins Returns' glides in with lighthearted, whimsical adventures
Keeping in mind that there's always a challenge when filmmakers take on a story that's already widely popular, Mary Poppins Returns starring Emily Blunt delivers a homage to a classic.
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"Mary Poppins Returns" is a joyful continuation to the magical nanny story that will be enjoyed by children. (Courtesy of Disney/File)
M
em>Mary Poppins Returns starring Emily Blunt continues the nanny’s whimsical adventures with a new generation from the Banks family, set decades from the original 1964 film, as magical Mary flies back into the house on Cherry Tree Lane in London.
Now all grown up, siblings Michael (Ben Wishaw) and Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer) welcome back their magical nanny, who has arrived to take care of Michael’s three children, John, Anabel and Georgie.
Michael, an artist who has taken up a job as a bank teller to make ends meet, struggles to take care of his family since the passing of his wife.
Financial matters finally catch up with the family, who is suddenly threatened with the loss of their home. It is amid such intensifying pressures that Mary Poppins arrives to bring some cheer and warmth to the crumbling home.
Blunt, with pitch-perfect pipes and an ever-present knowing smile, delivers a perkier version of the singing nanny, who enters the story by mysteriously gliding down from the sky, not unlike Julie Andrew's own take of the character based on P. L. Travers' namesake books.
Unlike Jane and Michael, who excitedly welcomed nanny Mary when they were little, the three children were at first hesitant, with John and Anabel particularly insisting they were mature enough to take care of themselves as well as their younger brother Georgie.
As the chaos unfolds, Mary Poppins entertains the children while teaching valuable lessons through playful adventures and sing-a-longs accompanied by Jack, a singing-and-dancing lamp lighter wonderfully played by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and Joel Dawson as Anabel, John and Georgie, respectively, carry the movie with vigor and charm, following in the tunes of Blunt's melodic voice.
The fantasy musical is decorated with delightful songs, with standouts including Blunt’s comforting ballad "The Place Where Lost Things Go", as well as the lively Miranda-led “Trip A Little Light Fantastic” sequence and the joyful “Nowhere to Go but Up” led by Whishaw.
Adding spice to the story include veteran Meryl Streep as Mary Poppins' quirky cousin Topsy, as well as the charming Colin Firth who appears as the devilish and greedy villain Mr. Wilkins.
Dick Van Dyke, who starred in the original film, also makes a cameo in the updated sequel, although as an entirely different character to his Bert.
The film is a joyful continuation of the magical nanny story that will be enjoyed by children, featuring other-worldly tales that intrigue the imagination. Although the musical numbers are catchy and entertaining at best, especially for the young audience, the adults, however, may find some parts slightly dragging at times.
Keep in mind, there's always a challenge when filmmakers take on a story that's already widely popular, especially in the caliber of Mary Poppins, which was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards and nabbed Best Actress for Andrews in the titular role.
Overall, however, Disney has delivered an enjoyable holiday flick for some lighthearted family fun that pays homage to a beloved classic.
