It’s hard to imagine a sequel to a film almost 60 years old being as highly anticipated as Mary Poppins Returns. Mary Poppins is considered one of Walt Disney’s crowning achievements as the film not only became a box office hit but earned Walt his first Best Picture nomination at the 37th Academy Awards. The film also earned Julie Andrews a Best Actress win for her portrayal as the titular nanny who is practically perfect in every single way.
Unlike the original film which shifted P.L. Travers story from The Great Depression-era of the 1930s to the more optimistic pre-war 1910, Mary Poppins Returns moves forward twenty years, into the decade in where Travers first envisioned. Director Rob Marshall effectively uses the backdrop of the depression to push forward the message of hope and a “light at the end of the tunnel.”
With today’s society finding negativity in everything, Mary Poppins Returns is the film we need right now. A film that offers what all films should offer: an escape from reality. Mary Poppins Returns also offers a great life lesson we should all actively embrace – to leave the past and misfortunes behind and focus on the now.
Along with the wonderful messages the film provides, it’s also a joy to look at. From the film’s opening, I began to count in my head how many technological Oscar nominations it was heading towards winning. From its makeup and hairstyling, costumes, and production design, Mary Poppins Returns is one of the most visually stunning films of 2018.
Walking in, I did have some reservations mainly with what Lin-Manuel Miranda’s British accent might sound like. Would it be too distracting? It turns out, it wasn’t. He was an absolute delight and even got the channel his “Hamilton” persona during one of the film’s best musical numbers, “A Cover is Not a Book.” While Lin shines during that song, it was “Trip a Little Light Fantastic” where he shines the brightest. The 10-minute song is in my top two scenes of 2018. This goes down on par, if not better than the iconic Dick Van Dyke’s “Chim Chim Cher-ee/Step in Time” scene from the original film.
Speaking of Dick Van Dyke, his cameo not only adds a huge nostalgic feel but also confirms that at 93 years old, the guy still has it. One cameo that didn’t work for me and a low point of the film is Meryl Streep. Streep appears as Mary’s cousin, Topsy, and provides the weakest song and dance number in the entire film. A song and moment that never really justifies its own existence, based on the lack of payoff for their visit in the first place. The scene felt like a throw-in moment to state that the great Meryl Streep made a cameo in Mary Poppins Returns.
A year ago, heck, a week ago, it was hard to imagine anyone living up to the iconic performance of Julie Andrews as Mary. Emily Blunt not only matches that performance but cements her place as one of Hollywood’s best actresses. Instead of trying to replicate Julie Andrew’s performance, she makes it her own while still incorporating Poppins’ well know witty personality. Like her predecessor, Blunt is heading to not only a potential Golden Globe win and an Oscar nomination. If she wins the Oscar, she would join Julie Andrews in winning an Academy Award for playing the same character. Something that has yet to be achieved by an actress to date. (Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro won Academy Awards for playing Vito Corleone in The Godfather and The Godfather Part II.)
Mary Poppins Returns is both a film for children and adults and represents the magic of Disney and why after 50 plus years, Mary Poppins is still practically perfect in every single way.
