News spread of Mary Poppins Returns being released on the big screen last year.
I have wrestled with reservations on seeing this film. Since my very early childhood I’ve had a love affair with Mary Poppins and my beloved Julie Andrews, who originally portrayed the magical nanny. Being so heavily tied to both, I was honestly quite apprehensive about what in the beginning was spoken of as a remake.
Mary Poppins
Is a series of eight children’s books written by Australian-British writer P. L. Travers and published over the period 1934 to 1988. Mary Shepard was the illustrator throughout the series.
Throughout the promotion of the film’s release, I learned that this movie would be a continuation based on the book series rather than another attempt at a live action remake. This gave me great relief as I knew in my heart that NO ONE could capture the role of Mary better than the incomparable Julie Andrews. After the announcement of Dick Van Dyke’s cameo in the film, I patiently waited for some news of Julie’s cameo, blessing, ANY sign of her approval. News came. No cameo. UGH! How can I watch this?!!! Then came the interview. The explanation that Julie gave was pure class as only she can give. Knowing her presence would overshadow that of leading lady, Emily Blunt, she respectfully gave the film her blessing. With this, I’m on-board!
The movie premiered the week prior to Christmas, but in honesty I was still nervous to see it.
We finally went last night! Now the question is when to go back!
The movie finds the original Bank’s children, all grown up. Michael with three children of his own and Jane finding her way in beautiful London. The story turns dark when lawyers from the bank, yes the same bank from the original film, come to forewarn Michael that they intend to repossess the family home due to nonpayment of a loan he had been unable to fulfill after the death of his young wife. This sets in motion a series of events of members of the family doing all they can to save the home by the last stroke of midnight on Friday.
In true magical fashion, Miss Mary arrives in the swirling London sky on the opposite end of a kite string to help the family find their way and save their home, although of course they don’t realize this right away.
The movie is FULL of adventures with bright costumes and classic animation and songs that were each a parallel of the beloved score from the original film with the ability to become classics in their own right. I felt each song paid respect and homage to its counterpart from the original. I was also pleasantly surprised that melodies from Mary Poppins were softly played in the background such as Spoon Full of Sugar and Let’s Go Fly a Kite. Those sweet refrains in the underbelly of the score brought a flood of memories from childhood, complete with tears…..per my usual.
I don’t want to give up details of the movie too much, in respect of those who have not had a chance to go see it. I will say that the cameos of Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury were a major highlight! Overall, I was pleased with the movie and I feel it is very well done. I do feel you should be more than familiar with the original to fully enjoy it.
Also, as far as taking really small children, I don’t feel like that’s the best decision. I feel that while they may enjoy the parts of the film with animation in the scenes, the dark and more live action pieces of the film may not keep their attention. There were several families in the theater with extra small children when we attended. Their attention was not kept making for a less than ideal situation for both the parents and other movie goers.
I’m glad that I decided to view this movie and will most definitely go see it again and purchase it as part of my collection as soon as it’s available. I appreciate that story of my beloved Mary Poppins was continued and I’m anxious to see if they will attempt to fulfill the entirety of the book series. Lots of laughter and tears, memories and song, this was definitely a win win for Disney!
