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Tuesday, January 8, 2019

'Mary Poppins Returns' Movie Review: Practically Perfect Perpetuation


Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns” stars Emily Blunt (“The Girl on the Train,” “Into the Woods”) as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn a routine task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure.
In this all new sequel, which has a fresh sensibility yet celebrates the spirit of the original, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives after they experience a personal loss. The enigmatic nanny is joined by her friend Jack, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “Moana”), an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London. “Mary Poppins Returns” is directed by Rob Marshall (“Into the Woods,” “Chicago”) and produced by Marshall, John DeLuca (“Into the Woods”) and Marc Platt (“La La Land”). The screenplay is by David Magee (“Life of Pi”) and the screen story is by Magee, Marshall & DeLuca based on The Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers with music by Marc Shaiman (“Hairspray”) and songs by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (“Hairspray”). 



The first film released 54 years ago, making it one of the longest gaps between film sequels in cinematic history. The 1964 film was considered as Mr. Walt Disney's crowning live-action achievement after earning a Best Picture nomination - the only one in his lifetime. Plus, it features Julie Andrews in her unforgettable feature film debut.
The first film that starred Julie Andrews will always be an all-time classic. Plus it has some really great soundtrack, from "Chim Chim Cher-ee", "Feed the Birds" and my favorite "A Spoonful of Sugar". With these all in mind, it is hard to exceed or at least, meet the expectations set by the first. So it is quite challenging to make a follow-up to the 1964 classic. But Rob Marshall managed to create a sequel that is as fun and entertaining as the first.


Unlike the first film, the conflict in 'Mary Poppins Returns' is more economical in nature as the Banks family is now struggling financially. This sets up the events in the film as they try to find a way to save their family's home from being repossessed by the bank. The film has a more energetic and lively tone that matches the serious threat in the story. There's more humor here than the original film, making it more light and easy to take in.
Of course, the musical numbers are more extravagant than the first film. The scenes are more imaginative and colorful, thanks to the help of amazing CGI and production value. The songs were okay, but admittedly the music was the film's weakest point. But thanks to the fantastic performances of Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the magic of the movie never faded. Blunt's portrayal of Mary Poppins was the film's biggest strengths. She was perfect for the role and I couldn't think of any other actress that can fit into the character.

'Mary Poppins' (1964) may have better songs, but its sequel, 'Mary Poppins Returns' is more enjoyable and heartfelt than its predecessor. And Emily Blunt is that 'spoonful of sugar' that makes everything so much fun.

Rating: 10/ 10 • Verdict: Must Watch

Verdict: Must Watch • Highly Recommended • Entertaining • Tolerable • Boring • 


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