In Disney's Mary Poppins Returns, the famous nanny returns to Cherry Tree Lane to look after the Banks children once again, this time in the form of Emily Blunt with friendly lamplighter Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda) around to light the way.
After seeing it almost a month ago, I sat down to write about my thoughts on the film. Mary Poppins Returns keeps the same spirit that brought the original so close to the hearts of many. While it's not Julie Andrews holding the parrot head umbrella, the joy that permeates from the screen is the same as before.
In a turn from the original, both some plot points and Blunt's portrayal of Mary Poppins are influenced by P.L. Travers' books, which Blunt noted in interviews that that was the first place she went for inspiration to play the nanny. For anyone who has read the books, it will feel familiar, though fans of the original movie will still be able to appreciate it.
The music, composed by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman, is reminiscent of the original, with colorful tunes for Mary herself to sing including "A Cover is Not The Book," "The Royal Doulton Music Hall," and "Can You Imagine That." It also gives Miranda's Jack some songs reminiscent of the chimney sweep songs from the original, such as "Trip a Little Light Fantastic," which you can listen to in the video above.
While the movie has been met to mixed reviews from critics and some fans, the one thing you cannot deny is that it captures the spirit and heart of the original. Disney has successfully taken their most timeless film and continued its legacy, opening up the magic of Mary Poppins to new generations, while paying tribute to the film that started it. It was a highlight of the holidays, and the beauty of the film caused many people to find tears in their eyes. Now, who could have imagined that?