More than a half-century ago, Julie Andrews took the Banks family under her care while also the world reasons to sing and dance. Mary Poppins was a bona fide live action hit for Disney and its catchy tunes would help turn in it into a timeless classic. In those days, Hollywood was more of a one-and-done business model. We all know know how that has drastically changed in the more modern era. The time has come to dust off the old umbrella and get back to some good ole nanny nurturing and smiles with Mary Poppins Returns.
The last time we saw the Banks kids they were living in the magical times of their lives. Now, years later as adults, Jane (Emily Mortimer) and Michael (Ben Whishaw) have moved onto more mature activities like working and less fun things like that. Michael has kids of his own to care for. Anabel (Pixie Davies) and (Nathanael Saleh) are the little ones that are currently breathing life into the Banks home. And speaking of, Michael is on the brink of losing the family home to the very establishment that he works for.
Wilkins (Colin Firth) is the president of Fidelity Fiduciary Bank, and he the one hoping to foreclose on the Banks’ home if they can’t come up with the money to pay back a loan in full. When hope is at its lowest, that’s when an old friend returns. Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) pops in to save the day by introducing the children to some amazing and unbelievably fun times while also reminding Jane and Michael of feelings they’ve long forgotten. With the help of old friends and new, such as a lively lamplighter named Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda), there’s hope yet for the Banks family. Poppins will lift them to the highest of heights as lessons are learned on all sides.
It sure does feel good to be a kid again. That’s the feeling conveyed on screen and in the seats at the theater as Mary Poppins Returns plays out. It’s hard to imagine that the songs and actors will stand up over time the way that 1964 original has, then again most people involved that version probably never thought it would reach level of popularity that it did. Emily Blunt is absolutely splendid in the title role. She pays homage in every way to the legacy of Julie Andrews in the same role. Her mannerisms and the way she carries herself looks so familiar because we’ve seen it before.
Lin-Manuel Miranda brings accolades to everything he puts his hands on, and Mary Poppins Returns is not going to break that trend. As an actor, he fills the type of role that Dick Van Dyke held like a champ. From his cockney accent to his blue collar work ethic, Miranda shows that he’s committed to put his best foot forward. With Miranda also involved with the song writing and singing, his musical pedigree pushing the enjoyment factor over the top.
The only area that I have to be critical of this production, and it’s a heavy one, is the runtime. Asking children to sit in a theater for two hours and ten minutes is a tall order. Of course, there are exceptions but parents should know be prepared for this…especially when it comes to sugary sweets and beverage consumption. Sitting still for that long of a duration may be an impossibility. Despite its extended time, Mary Poppins Returns will be a great experience for the whole family to see in theaters. Arriving just in time for the holidays will make it a safe, surefire bet for something fun to do over the next few weeks. The magic is happening now in theaters everywhere.
