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This time of year is supposed to be a time of magic and wonder. But while that’s generally the case for kids, for many adults, it’s a time of stress and chaos and exhaustion. And that makes it the perfect time of year for a little touch of magic from everyone’s favorite nanny in Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns.
Mary Poppins Returns catches up with the Banks family decades after the magical nanny’s first visit. Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) is trying to get by as the widowed father of three children who have been forced to grow up way too fast following their mother’s death. When Michael discovers that he’s about to lose the family home, he and his sister, Jane (Emily Mortimer), race to find the funds to keep it. And Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) arrives just in time to bring some much-needed magic to the Banks children’s lives.
It’s been more than 50 years since Julie Andrews rode her magical umbrella into movie lovers’ hearts in the musical classic Mary Poppins. But Emily Blunt does an excellent job of picking up Mary’s carpet bag full of tricks in this long-awaited sequel. She’s prim and proper but perfectly playful, too—and with a smile and a wink, she’s able to bring some magic back into a hectic holiday season. And Mary is joined in her journey by her lovable sidekick, lamplighter Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda), whose infectious smile and fancy footwork add even more joy to the musical numbers. Though the songs may not all be as memorable as those in the original film, they maintain the same spirit and style. They’re catchy and clever, and they’re certainly highlights of the film.
That’s not to say, though, that Mary Poppins Returns is all singing and dancing and magical excursions. In fact, it’s a melancholy tale that will keep viewers constantly on the verge of tears. From Michael’s heartbreaking song to his late wife to the family’s desperate quest to keep their home, it’s an emotional journey. And, mixed with the playful musical numbers, the imaginative adventures, and plenty of references to the beloved original, it all makes for a heart-swelling kind of film about family and fun and finding the right perspective.
If you’ve gotten caught up in the hustle and bustle of another busy holiday season, Mary Poppins Returns is a charming cinematic escape. It may not prove to be the same unforgettable classic as the original, but it’s a sweet and touching film that’s filled with musical reminders that it’s important to “Trip a Little Light Fantastic” every once in a while.
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