Guess Who’s Back?

For the past couple of years Disney has been remaking many of its movie classics from “Cinderella,” to “Maleficent,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Although many have been hits, others have not gotten the best reviews. When Disney announced the release of a sequel to 1964’s “Mary Poppins”, there was the fear that this heartwarming story would be ruined by this adaptation. Early buzz revealed that many people were hesitant about coming to theaters and buying a ticket. Although nothing compares to the classic, the movie “Mary Poppins Returns” puts on a great show with a heartwarming script, a loveable cast, and lively dance and musical numbers.

The two Banks kids from the original movie, Michael and Jane, are all grown up and are the center of this story. Michael is struggling to be a father figure as well as keep things in order in the house after the death of his wife. Trouble starts occurring when the bank starts asking Michael to pay a debt.

One afternoon, while in the basement, the adult Michael and Jane find their old kite and reminisce about their happy childhood days. Michael’s son Georgie finds the kite and starts getting pulled to the sky, this is when Mary Poppins appears at the end of the kite and Georgie reels her in.

Mary Poppins takes care of the children as well as helps them get through this tough time in the family. Mary Poppins and her playful friend Jack take the children on many adventures as well as teach them many lessons throughout the story.

Featuring stars Lin-Manuel Miranda as Jack and Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins, there are many heartwarming numbers. The film also includes guest appearances by mega-watt talent like Meryl Streep as “Topsy”. Joel Dawson, Nathanael Saleh, and Pixie Davis play the Banks’ children and are a wonderful addition to the film.“The youth acting in the movie really sold me. Their debut will be loved by many,” junior Lily Spengler said.

The great singing and dancing performances make the story even more enjoyable and may also make you want to get up and sing along.

“Mary Poppins Returns” not only does a great job with the live performances but the also incorporates animated numbers with the actors. The number such as “A Cover is Not the Book” features Miranda and Blunt alongside animations. Paying homage to the original, “Mary Poppins Returns” also includes talking and singing animals on the screen; this feature adds another heartwarming aspect to the film.

The numbers and characters in the film are meant to reflect the old ones in the original film. “Trip a Little Light Fantastic” featuring Miranda and his “leeries” is a contemporary version of the original’s version “Step in Time”. With bicycle stunts, props, amazing synchronized choreography by the “leeries”, Miranda dancing and Blunt rhyming it made you also want to learn the leerie language.  “It really brought me back to the first time I saw the original”, junior Peyton Rooney said.

The costumes as well as sets were filled with colors and they really make teh audience feel like they are part of the story as well as the magical world of Mary Poppins.

Disney has tried recreating its classic films and although this film will never match up to the original, “Mary Poppins Returns” is still a must-watch for any Disney fanatic. With touching lessons about family, love, and perseverance this movie is sure to please whoever watches it.  With catchy songs as well as dance numbers, viewers will definitely be thinking about these performances for awhile after watching them. “Mary Poppins Returns” will surely leave a smile on your face and absolutely will please any viewer child or adult, the magic of Disney once again will touch many hearts. This whimsical film will make its viewers feel very nostalgic.

It’s not too late to see “Mary Poppins Returns” in theaters however, I would hurry. You can get “Mary Poppins Returns” to buy and rent on DVD and Blu Ray beginning on March 19, 2019 and it will be available to stream on Netflix in August of 2019.

Click here to get a sneak peak at the movie!