After decades in
development hell, Disney has finally given us a Mary Poppins sequel.
Since its
release in 1964, Walt Disney attempted to produce a sequel but faced
issues with the original writer, P. L. Travers. Fifty-five years later, those
issues have been ironed out, and we, the audience, are just grateful.
Like the
previous film, the musical numbers are catchy and easy to get lost in.
This musical
fantasy film is amazing, and I enjoyed the ride. I only wish more of the cast
from the
1964 film—who are still alive—had made a cameo (Dick Van Dyke did,
though). The movie was so good that it received widespread praise and
accolades, earning numerous nominations at the Oscars, BAFTAs, Golden Globes,
Critics’ Choice Awards, and more. Sadly, it lost out in many categories.
Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins was an absolute delight. I went into this movie
thinking no one could match Julie Andrews’ performance, but Emily matched it in
her own way. She reshaped the character to fit her personality while staying true
to its essence.
The movie’s plot
now focuses on the much older Jane and Michael Banks.
Michael is now the owner of the Banks home from the first film, and he’s in
financial trouble. He took out a loan from the bank where his father worked in
the first movie, and now the bank is threatening to foreclose on the house.
Michael lives in
the house with his three children, and Jane is staying over to help him find
some important documents that could save their childhood home.
During their
search, they find the kite that played a key role in the first film’s ending.
Michael tosses it aside, but his youngest son, George, starts playing with it.
The wind carries George away, and Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda), who recognizes the
wind’s significance, watches as Mary Poppins arrives. She greets the children,
who are surprised she knows their names, and takes them home.
Michael and Jane
immediately recognize Mary Poppins, and she announces she’s going to be their
new nanny (though we’re left to wonder who she’s really there to take care of).
From there, we’re sent on a magical ride while also trying to save the Banks’ home.
The movie didn’t rely too heavily on nostalgia from the original, and for that, I give the director and Disney as much credit as I can spare to keep writing this review.
Lastly,
Lin-Manuel Miranda (Jack) vs. Dick Van Dyke (Bert). For me, both portray very
different characters, so comparing their roles as Mary Poppins’ co-anchors, I’d
say that while Miranda nailed the accent, I still prefer Dick Van Dyke’s
goofiness.
So here’s a
sequel that’s very well done and fun to watch. You can line it up for viewing
after watching the original Mary
Poppins (1964).
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