Review: “Mary Poppins Returns” Relive Our Childhood Imagination
Mary Poppins will always be a classic fairy-tale and after she vanished a long time ago while Michael and Jane Banks when they were still children. In 2018, the sequel of this story was developed into a brand new movie called “Mary Poppins Returns”. Starring Emily Blunt as the magical nanny, the film is set as a musical that took place in 1935’s England. Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) who was no longer a child, already had three children, a pair of twin, Annabelle and John as well as a 5-year old boy named Georgie. Sadly, his wife, Kate, passed away leaving the household in shambles. Michael who lived in his childhood home took a loan but unable to pay the installment on time. The bank wanted to repossess the house if he was unable to pay within a set amount of time. Jane Banks, his sister, tried her best to help and both of them remembered that their father left them a share in the bank. Looking for the shares certificate proved to be a lot harder than the thought, as they had to face the fate of losing their house.
This news broke the children’s hearts who were not ready to lose their lovely house. During their walk to the market, they encountered a flying kite (the one that their father and aunt used to play with). Georgie ran to chase it when a strong gust of wind stroke. Assisted by Jack (Lin Manuel Miranda), a lantern boy, they managed to get a hold of the kite that saw the descendants of Mary Poppins. Acting like she never left the Banks family, she was willing and ready to help them with her magical antics. “Mary Poppins Returns” was a delightful musical. We cannot say that we love the particular genre, but this movie has its own charm that we cannot resist. The choreography, songs, and lyrics were well organized and thoughts. It actually added a substance into the whole plot, so it’s not just plain singing and dancing. Emily Blunt showcased her amazing vocal chops and lady-like gestures as a stern nanny who takes care of the children and let them imagine things adults could not imagine. Lin Manuel Miranda is not a stranger to musical, thanks to his award-winning role on Broadway’s “Hamilton”. As a side character, he becomes a great addition to the cast with his impeccable vocal range.
Rob Marshall developed a plot that is easy to understand by all ages. “Mary Poppins Returns” also combined a great deal of animation and live-action scenes that didn’t look awkward or off. The change of gloomy color tones to cheerful ones that happened a few times in the movie was also done seamlessly. Just like any Disney movies, this film also conveys a meaningful message. As an adult, one shouldn’t think too much, until he/she forgets how happy they become over the simplest things. This movie is a heartwarming piece that makes us want to relive our childhood imagination.
