I am no different than everybody else. Once I heard our beloved nanny was returning, my excitement level skyrocketed. Since then, I have been anxiously awaiting the magical arrival of MARY POPPINS RETURNS. What was once a childhood favorite has now provided a modern sequel and, after having seen an early screening, I can finally tell you the effect this movie had on me!
I received an invite to a complimentary media screening. All opinions in this post are 110% mine and mine alone. This post also contains affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure policy for more information.
MARY POPPINS RETURNS
Goodness ~ there are so many angles I could have taken with this post. I could have compared it to the books by P.L. Travers or compared to the 1964 movie with Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. I could have talked about what I liked and didn’t like (there were a few things). Even so, I could have identified three points that really stood out to me or whether I feel this is really kid friendly. To be honest, that’s where everyone is going with it. When I was brainstorming this piece, however, I could not get away from one personal thought. There was something more important that stuck out to me, something that affected me. It was a thought I could not escape.
See, I had the opportunity to see the early screening literally two days after saying goodbye to our first fur baby. So, my heart was already in pieces. I had a strong feeling that watching something to do with the loss of a loved one had the potential to affect me in some way.
And that it did.
I hid it from my friends who were sitting in the same row, but my youngest son heard my sniffles and saw the glistening in my eyes. Of course, he was quite familiar with that pain himself and sniffed a few times, as well.
It’s no secret that the film takes place a short while after the loss of Michael Bank’s wife, the mother of Anabel, John and Georgie. When any kind of a loss like that occurs, the joy within seems to slip away. You can’t wrap your brain around the things that need to be done and it becomes extremely difficult to focus on what may be literally right in front of you.
Cue Mary Poppins’ return!
There is just something magical about that beautiful English nanny! She always knows the right time to “pop in” and that she does. She returns to the Banks home, the very home in which she cared for Jane and Michael when they were young, and immediately gets to work on helping to restore “what was lost.”
Through a series of magical adventures, which is of course how we would expect Mary Poppins to work, the children learn valuable lessons that bind them together even more. By instilling these timeless truths in the hearts of the new generation of Banks children, a grown up Michael also comes out from under his “umbrella” and finds a way to focus on the life in front of him.
The movie reminded my son and me so much of the things for which we had to be grateful. We have a million memories of our cherished pet. We still have another furbaby at home to love and cuddle. Not to mention, our beloved Cody is no longer suffering. The movie put a much needed smile on our face, even though we still had a few tears streaming down it, as well.
The story took us on an adventure and we walked away having learned (or was reminded) to:
- Focus on where we are going and not where I’ve been.
- Nothing is gone forever, only out of place.
- It’s all in the way you look at things (perspective).
- What’s missing may very well be inside of you (us).
A Few More Thoughts About The Movie…
When it comes to the upcoming, very much anticipated sequel, I admit that had to take a step back and do a little research to truly understand a few things. For one, Emily Blunt, whom I adore and believe is a fabulously talented actress, took a slightly different approach to the title character. While Julie Andrews was kind, gentle, prim and proper, Emily took on a more “blunt” approach and appeared a little more cold.
At first, that struck me as “off character” or unappealing. However, I then learned that the current film is more influenced by P.L. Travers’ version of Mary Poppins, in which the nanny did carry a more icy exterior. That made sense and I was able to accept what I saw on the screen by Blunt. So, taking that in mind, Emily Blunt was obviously the superb choice to fill the magical shoes of such an iconic role.
Another fun element from the books has to do with the names of the children. Two of them stem from the written series, in which there are actually five Banks children and not just the two we have come to know and love. I love it when Disney does that ~ rolls pieces of original films or texts into a contemporary, modern project. We’ve seen it in so many other films they have produced and this one is no different.
Regarding other casting choices...
When it comes to other characters in the film, Disney once again did a spectacular job at filling the roles.
Emily Mortimer was a perfect match for what Jane should look like as an adult. Lin-Manuel Miranda “lit up” his role as the lamperlighter and will dance his way into hearts across the world. Meryl Streep was absolutely marvelous in her role as Topsy (seriously, people – she was captivating!!). Not to mention I love how her role seems to parallel the story of Uncle Albert in the 1964 film.
Now, let’s talk about the younger actors! The children (Pixie Davies, Nathanael Selah and Joel Dawson) worked seemlessly together. They were so mature, engaged and curious. I actually wish they had been a little more mischievous or naive, like Jane and Michael. However, at the same time, they weren’t Jane and Michael. So, it was nice to see some variety in the character development.
I will say that Ben Wishaw did a great job. However, he didn’t bring back the Michael I remembered from my childhood. He played the part well. I just could not help but want to see the reddish brown hair, icy blue eyes and mischievous smile.
What is there to say about Dick Van Dyke? Well, I’ll leave that one for you to discover and decide. However, I am pretty convinced that you will find yourself filled with joy when his scene comes up in the film.
Would I recommend Mary Poppins returns?
I would, but I do have a few small warnings.
- The film is a little long and may drag a bit for those perhaps under the age of eight. Their attention span not be able to handle some of the lengthier scenes or understand some of the story.
- There are also a few scenes that may slightly elevate anxiety levels. For instance, there is an alley scene like the first film that presents a darker environment and the unknown. The animated sequence also may stir a smidgen of nervousness, as there is a character or two who are up to no good.
- It also has to be remembered that the movie is centered around the loss of a loved one. There are no direct scenes related to her passing. However, it is referenced and is the focus of one particular song (one that made my eyes leak a little, just saying).
However, in spite of these few instances, there is nothing that I saw that should truly be a barrier to watching this as a family. It is a good story and honestly deserves the accolades it has already received.
Do you have your tickets yet?
Mary Poppins Returns arrives in theatres December 19th and tickets are already on pre-sale. What a great stocking stuffer or holiday outing for the whole family! It will appeal to those who loved the original film, those who have read the books and those new to such a magical character and story. Looks like a win-win to me.
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I’m so excited to see this! Thank you for your review!
My pleasure! I hope you enjoy it when you see it!!
I can not wait to see this! Thanks for the review and pointers. I think we’re going to take the family around Christmas time!
That would be perfect!!! Tickets make a great stocking stuffer 😉.
Nothing is gone forever, only out of place. I love this ideal! Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the movie – it is one I am going to take my son to see! I am sorry about your fur baby, I wish you healing!
Thanks, Brittany!! We have 10.5 years of amazing memories with him. He was certainly family. I hope you enjoy the movie when you see it with your son!!!
I loved Mary Poppins as a child and I have wondered about this movie. Now I am really excited to see it, but sounds like I will need tissue 🙂 Thanks for a great review!
It’s always good to have some on hand 😉. Enjoy the movie when you see it!!!! Emily Blunt does a beautiful job ~ and Meryl Streep. Oh, my goodness!
I went to a media screening and loved it!! I am so glad I went..I usually don’t!!
What a great one to choose to attend!!!! I’m glad you liked it!!
Great review and I appreciate the heads up to wear waterproof mascara. 😉
LOL ~ that may be a good idea. I was, of course, a little on the emotional side that day, as explained above…but it is an endearing piece that I hope you enjoy like I did!
I absolutely can’t wait to see this!! I’m glad you compared Meryl Streep’s character to Uncle Albert. His song in the original is one of my favorites!
I’m chuckling just thinking about it – hee, hee!!! I love how Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep were reunited in this film. To be honest, not usually a Streep fan….but she got me on this one. You’ll love it!
I can’t wait to see this! So many of my favorite actors are in this. I love the original, but I’m looking forward to this new cast. Emily Blunt is my favorite! Thanks for the info on this film!
Huge Blunt fan over here, as well!! She has such a gorgeous voice and I’ve loved her since The Devil Wears Prada!! I hope you enjoy the film when it comes out!!
I am so excited to see this. I didn’t realize it was a return. I thought it was a remake of the original so that is good to know when I go watch it.
I’m really glad they did it as a return and drew more from the actual book series this time. However, you will still see a few key elements from the original splashed in here and there. I hope you enjoy it!
After reading this review I want to go see this movie. It looks like a really great movie. Thank you for the warnings too.
My pleasure!!! I hope you enjoy it when you go to see it!! 😉✨
Seriously thank you for the heads up about the movie addressing death! My Sister in Laws want me to see this with them, and after my brother’s suicide I can be touchy about shows and movies that reference death. I’ll still go see it with them, but having the forewarning allows me to mentally prep instead of being caught off guard!
It is touched upon VERY benignly, but it could still affect someone who is sensitive to the topic. I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and I do hope that, if and when you go see the movie, that you find the same joy the movie is trying to restore itself. ❤
Great review! I loved the original movie, can’t wait to see the new one! And I wanted to say how sorry I am about the loss of your furbaby, we lost one of ours back in July and my eyes still get leaky every now and again.
It’s tough, isn’t it?? They just become a part of our hearts and family. Such tremendous unconditional love. I’m sorry for your loss, too!! I do hope that, when you go see the movie, that you really enjoy it!!! It’s endearing.
Thanks for the review! Can’t wait to see it!
Great review! I am looking forward to taking my grandson to see it on his winter break!
Thanks!! That will be so much fun for you two!! Enjoy!
I thought it was a remake! I’m excited to see this one.
So sorry for your loss, Tina.
Thanks, Flor. He was family and a huge part of my heart. He is missed, but not suffering anymore. As for the movie, though ~ nope…not a remake It’s a sequel and takes place with Michael and Jane as adults. I hope you enjoy it when you see it!!
My girlfriend got to go to the release in LA at Disney and told me it was AMAZING! I am so excited to see it!
What an amazing opportunity she had!!! Wow! I can just imagine how excited she was to be there! A memory she will have forever. I hope you enjoy the film as much as she did when you get to see it!!!
Looking forward to watching the movie. Thank you for your review!!
My pleasure! I hope you enjoy it when you see it!
it’s been about 2 years since our Sadie passed. we are all (hubby and 4 kids) finally ready to welcome a new bundle of fur into our hearts. sometimes the road is long, but healing comes.
Thank you for sharing that, Noelle!! I’m sorry to hear about Sadie, but it’s good to hear that healing does come and that welcoming a new furbaby comes easier with time. We still have one at home and we can tell he misses Cody….but we’re loving on him as much as we can. I hope you find the perfect new family member!!! Thanks for the read!!!
I’m so glad that you recommend this movie. I was a little worried, as sometimes sequels can stink!
I agree…but this one is sweet and endearing. The cast is adorable and works so well together. It has a good story-line and there are so many nods to the books by P.L. Travers. I hope you enjoy it when you get the chance to see it!! Thanks for the read, Shelly!!
Ohmygoodness I’ve been so worried about what they would do to this classic movie! This is a great review! I’ll definitely check it out! Thanks!
Thanks, Laura!!! Aww – that made my heart smile. I think there were many who were worried about it. I’m glad they chose not to do a remake, but rather bring it a little into the future. It makes sense and I love how they utilized the original book series as references. I hope you enjoy it if you get out to see it!! It would be a great way to spend a day during the holidays! 😉
I am excited to see this. I have always loved Mary Poppins! Thanks for the review.
My pleasure! I hope you enjoy it when you do get to see it, Rosanna!!
It’s been so long since I’ve seen the original with Julie Andrews, I think I would want to watch that again first before going to see this one. I really don’t remember the story (except now, with your post, I have a great overview!). Being an empty nester with no grandkids, I don’t generally think about watching the Disney movies, but you’ve changed my mind!
Awww – well, thanks for the kind words!! Glad the post inspires you to see it. Disney movies aren’t just for the younger generations. They really do appeal to adults, as well. Just keep in mind that, while there are elements of the original Julie Andrews movie, there are a lot of references to the books, as well. The movie makes sense even without knowledge of the original, but seeing it does add a few familiar smiles. Enjoy!!
I’m looking so forward to seeing this!!
The original movie is a classic. They simply don’t make movies of that quality anymore. Sounds like this one will be a treat to watch!
It is! I actually had the privilege of watching it a second time in screening and actually enjoyed it even more! I hope you enjoy it when you see it!
Great review! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂 I was never a huge fan of the movie (even as a kid), but after reading this I will watch it!
Great review Tina! I’d love to see this, the costuming is beautiful!
Just saw it! It was good!. I like the original better though.
And there is nothing wrong with that – lol 😉. I like to think of this one as a stand alone ~ just glad it wasn’t a remake. Righty? Glad you had a good time!!