by Ashlyn Grace Brothers
You can’t get much better than Julie Andrews, or can you? Oscar nominee Emily Blunt’s stellar performance as the principal role in “Mary Poppins Returns” will have you returning to the theater for more.
Many people, including myself, were skeptical watching a sequel to the movie we treasure from childhood, for fear that it might be tainted by modern day media; however, Blunt’s rich and soulful voice complimented the essence of Mary Poppins to a practically perfect degree. Plus, Tony award winner, Lin Manuel Miranda, graces us with his presence playing an auspicious street lamplighter named Jack.
Miranda brings a sense of optimism and joy to the storyline and is the embodiment of Dick Van Dyke’s Burt. Acting is influenced by nonverbal communication; therefore, Miranda’s face like rubber allows for the merriest of emotions and hilarious expressions. On the flip side, his lack of range led to a less than appealing feeling as he entered into his falsetto. We won’t even waste your time talking about his English accent, which was a failed attempt. Not even a spoon full of sugar would help out with that. Despite his flaws, Miranda managed to receive a Golden Globes nomination for the Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture.
The PG-rated feature has been nominated for several other awards including Golden Globe Awards, SAG Awards, Academy Awards, among other notable nominations. For more information regarding the nominations, click here.
According to Forbes, the movie has grossed over $200 million worldwide. Additionally, it received a 78% on Rotten Tomatoes. “Mary Poppins Returns” is stacked with other Hollywood faces such as Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, Meryl Streep and a special appearance by Dick Van Dyke.
The adapted screenplay directed and produced by Rob Marshall takes place under the lovely London sky during the 1930’s depression-era at the Banks’ residence on Cherry Tree Lane. Only this time, it’s years later, Jane (Mortimer) and Michael (Whishaw) are all grown up and there are three new Banks children added to the mix. After the Banks’ household is faced with tragedy, Mary Poppins decides it’s about time she pays another visit. During Poppins’ pop in, she teaches the mourning family where the lost things go and helps to rekindle the light that escaped them. Along the way, the children take wondrous trips to magical lands and meet Poppins’ unique cousin, Topsy (Streep), who teaches them that when life seems upside down you can make the upside down the new right side up.
This movie takes a unique approach with many parallels to the original “Mary Poppins,” allowing us to revisit the same childhood novelty and have a refreshing escape from reality. The Disney movie is still in theaters across Northwest Arkansas including the AMC Fiesta Square and the Razorback Malco. Truly, the best way to describe “Mary Poppins Returns” is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.