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Practically Perfect In Every Way | Mary Poppins Returns Review

December 19, 2018 By Ashley 18 Comments

190 shares

It was finally time to head to the theater to see Mary Poppins Returns. I was optimistic and anxious. I grew up watching Mary Poppins and wishing for a Nanny like her to come whisk me away into some grand adventure. Would I like this one? Could it hold its own next to the original? From the moment the Disney Castle shone bright to the final ending scroll of credits and everything in between I was in love with this movie. It combined the feel and nostalgia that makes the original special with new, whimsical fun that makes it impossible not to smile.

And smile we did. I looked over throughout the film at my children, their eyes were wide, grinning from ear to ear. Yes Mary Poppins fans, this film is practically perfect in every way.

Mary Poppins Returns Review

Practically Perfect In Every Way | Mary Poppins Returns Review

The Music

I have to start this off with talking about the music. Everything from the opening Overture to the End Title Suite was beautiful. The music reminded me of when I am spending time on Main Street U.S.A. at any of the Disney Parks. It's big, uplifting, and full of joy. Sprinkled throughout the music in the film are pieces from the original movie. If you listen carefully you can hear all your favorites and trust me it will make you smile. 

Also, I'm 100% sure Trip A Little Light Fantastic will be stuck in my head forever. It is my favorite song from the film, with No Where To Go But Up a close second. I waited to listen to the soundtrack, wanting to be surprised. But if you can't wait, it's available right now!

Mary Poppins Returns Special Look

Animation Sequence 

When I realized there would be an animation sequence in Mary Poppins Returns I couldn't wait. As a child, jumping into the Chalk Pavement Picture was one of my favorite scenes. One I would watch over and over. 

Despite how far technology has come and how awesome animation is these days, part of me will always prefer hand drawn. There is just something about it. It looks like I'm not the only one who still has a lot of love for the old school way.

The Royal Doulton Bowl sequence was hand drawn and hand-painted just as the Chalk Painting was in the first film. The outfits that Mary, Jack, Georgie, John, and Annabel are wearing were hand-painted so they would look vibrant like the animation and a lot like the outfits Mary, Bert, and The Children wore.

Mary Poppins Returns Easter Eggs

Dick Van Dyke

I won't lie, I totally teared when they showed him in the trailer. Sitting in the theater, the same thing happened. How could it not? Dick Van Dyke is a legend. The audience clapped when he came out and I think we all just sat in awe. It's a fun moment in the film and one that will make your heart full.

Mary Poppins Returns Easter Eggs

Is Mary Poppins Returns a remake?

No. Mary Poppins Returns is not a remake. I keep seeing that floating around the internet. So 100% this is not a remake. It is a sequel. For book fans, this movie has a lot of Mary Poppins Comes Back sprinkled throughout. I get more into that in my Easter Egg post. 

Mary Poppins Returns Review

Mary Poppins Returns : A Lesson For Kids and Adults

As PL Travers in Saving Mr. Banks mentions, Mary Poppins isn't there to save the children. She is there for the parents, particularly the father in the original. This time she is back, not only with a lesson for the adults of the film (and in the audience) but also the children.

Mary Poppins Returns Review

Michael is dealing with the loss of his wife. He is trying to hold it together as best he can, for the sake of his children. But the stress and grief is clearly eating away at him. Gone is the carefree boy who imagined himself a Chimney Sweep. He's been replaced by an adult who has forgotten what it's like to be a child and find magic in everyday life. 

Mary Poppins Returns Review

The children are also grieving and doing their best to help their father and carry on, taking care of themselves like their mother taught them. Unlike Jane and Michael, Annabel and John aren't as mischievous or joyful. They've had to grow up quickly since their mother passed. They are reluctant to accept Mary Poppins or even crack a smile. 

Mary Poppins Returns Review

Mary in that special way that she has, helps each of them learn to deal and live through their heartache. She reminds them, and all of us, that just because someone is gone, they are always with us. They are in the place where lost things go, a tear jerker of a song for anyone has suffered a deep loss. Mary lets us all know, it's okay to embrace your feelings, but do not let them consume you. Dig deep, find joy, and live. 

Mary Poppins Returns Review

Is Mary Poppins Returns Safe For Kids?

Mary Poppins Returns is the perfect family-friendly movie. No curse words or violence, it is safe for everyone to enjoy. My family really enjoyed it. The kids have been singing and dancing along to the songs since Monday. Okay, so have I. Seriously, just wait until you hear these songs! We can't wait to watch it again in theaters during Winter Break.

For a more in-depth breakdown read my friend Patty's post: Mary Poppins Returns Parent Movie Review

Mary Poppins Returns Easter Eggs

Mary Poppins Returns Easter Eggs and Cameos

There are a lot of gems in this movie that callback to the original, highlight the books, and of course relate to some other special films. I have your complete guide right here: Mary Poppins Returns Easter Eggs and Cameos

Mary Poppins Returns Free Coloring Pages and Activities

Mary Poppins Returns Free Activities

Click here to download Mary Poppins Returns Free Activities!

Mary Poppins Returns Trailer

 

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Mary Poppins Returns Review

MARY POPPINS RETURNS IS IN THEATERS NOW! 

Mary Poppins Returns Trailer & Poster

Mary Poppins Returns Trailer Reaction

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Filed Under: Disney, Disney Movie, Entertainment, Film Reviews Tagged With: Disney, Disney movies, Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins Returns, Mary Poppins Returns Review, movie reviews, movies

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatar for CandyCandy

    December 19, 2018 at 11:01 am

    I grew up with the old version and haven’t seen the new Mary Poppins yet. Good to know they did a good job making it

    Reply
  2. Avatar for TasheenaTasheena

    December 19, 2018 at 12:59 pm

    Thanks for including the trailer. I can’t wait to check this movie out with my family.

    Reply
  3. Avatar for Amber MyersAmber Myers

    December 19, 2018 at 2:10 pm

    I cannot wait to see this movie. We’re going next week, because my Mom wanted to see it with us. I loved the original and I’m sure I’ll love this one.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Alli SmithAlli Smith

    December 19, 2018 at 2:37 pm

    I haven’t seen this one yet. Hopefully, I’ll finally get to see it during Christmas break. Looks like a great movie and I’m glad it’s a good one because I grew up loving Mary Poppins.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for robin ruerobin rue

    December 19, 2018 at 3:11 pm

    Glad you liked this movie so much. I know so many people are super excited to see it.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Lori VachonLori Vachon

    December 19, 2018 at 7:13 pm

    I’m definitely excited to take my girls to see this over the holiday break. Family-friendly movies that aren’t 100% animated are few and far between.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for ShelleyShelley

    December 19, 2018 at 7:44 pm

    I haven’t seen this one but I have seen the original. Looking forward to checking it out. I did hear it was a remake so now that I know it’s not I’m looking forward to it more.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for PamPam

    December 19, 2018 at 9:00 pm

    I haven’t been this excited for a Disney movie in ages. It looks like a really great movie. I loved the original Mary Poppins.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Lisa MartinLisa Martin

    December 19, 2018 at 11:44 pm

    I loved Mary Poppins as a child. I can’t wait to take my kids to see it! It looks wonderful.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for JeanineJeanine

    December 20, 2018 at 12:19 am

    I was such a big fan of Mary Poppins when I was younger. I think this would be great to see. I’ll have to see it!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for AlyssaAlyssa

    December 20, 2018 at 6:20 am

    Oh yay! I’m so glad you liked it. I had read one bad review so I was scared because I definitely want to see it!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Kimberly StormsKimberly Storms

    December 20, 2018 at 10:00 pm

    My family hasn’t seen this new Mary Poppins yet but clearly we need to! It sounds like this can’t possibly disappoint anyone that loves the first movie or those who haven’t seen it yet!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for RicciRicci

    December 21, 2018 at 1:42 am

    Oh my goodness!! I cna’t wait to watch Mary Poppins Returns!! It looks like its going to be so dang good!!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Nancy at Whispered InspirationsNancy at Whispered Inspirations

    December 21, 2018 at 2:12 am

    I cannot wait to watch this movie. I hear that she is amazing as her. Plus, the cast is great. Thanks so much for the rundown.

    Reply
  15. Avatar for SwathiSwathi

    December 21, 2018 at 1:27 pm

    I am excited to watch this, since you gave honest review, I need to check it out. My kids are looking forward to watch this movie.

    Reply
  16. Avatar for Bethel C EsmillarinBethel C Esmillarin

    December 22, 2018 at 1:19 am

    You gave me an idea what to watch with my niece and nephews this weekend!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for MichelleMichelle

    December 22, 2018 at 4:41 pm

    I’m trying to carve out a few hours to go see this. It was my all time favorite movie as a kid. Thanks for the review.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for TT

    December 27, 2018 at 2:07 pm

    I loved the first one and cannot wait to see this one!! I think Emily Blunt is the perfect casting for it too!

    Reply

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Avatar for TAshley Saunders is a movie critic, writer, podcaster, and gamer from the Washington DC area who is always ready to travel.
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