Maybe it’s because the world currently seems cynical, angry and out of step with kindness, but I found “Mary Poppins Returns” to be an absolute delight. A movie that made me smile and let me know that for a few minutes, everything would be OK.
Emily Blunt (“A Quiet Place,” “Sicario,” “Young Victoria”) plays the title character who arrives by umbrella in a local garden where children play and adults worry. Her entrance announces that the three children who have lost their mother and are living with a sad father will eventually embrace hope. In the world of Mary Poppins, there are lessons to be learned and elaborate adventures that beg your participation. Blunt is not only charming, but has the musical chops to pull of such an iconic role.
Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton”) plays Jack, the lamplighter and former apprentice to the chimney sweep played in the original by Dick Van Dyke, and he is the blessing this film needed in the form of a friendly smile. There is something innocent and generous about Jack, and every time he is on screen it takes the audience to a happy place.
The supporting cast includes Emily Mortimer (“The Newsroom,” “Notting Hill”) as the grown up Jane, and Ben Whishaw (“Skyfall,” “Perfume,” “The Danish Girl”) as the grieving grown up Michael doing his best to raise three young, energetic kids.
Also expect some delicious cameos by Meryl Streep, Angela Lansbury, and Dick Van Dyke.
“Mary Poppins Returns” is directed with confidence and complicated flair by Rob Marshall who directed “Into The Woods,” “Memoirs Of A Geisha,” and won an Oscar in 2002 for “Chicago.” His latest pays homage to the original but revisits with its own story and set of conflicts. Is “Mary Poppins Returns” as good as the original 1964 original that was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won five, including Best Actress for Julie Andrew? No, but it remains in the cinematic ballpark and is a joyful return to an old-fashioned, elaborate Disney musical.
Oscar season is in full swing as dozens of high end films dot the cinematic landscape and fight for attention. “Mary Poppins Returns” features a full on music score, choreographed dance numbers that include animated characters, and is beautifully photographed. I expect this film to be nominated in multiple categories.
I’m under the spell of this beautiful film that offers a welcome escape from the headlines of the day.
