Watch Mary Poppins Returns

Mary Poppins Returns is a sequel to the original 1964 film, Mary Poppins. The movie is set in 1930s London during the Great Depression, and follows the story of Michael Banks, now a grown man with three children of his own, who has recently suffered a personal loss. His sister Jane, who is still active in the community, is trying to help him but they are struggling to keep their family home. Despite his reluctance, Michael's children John, Anabel, and Georgie are eager to provide the help they can.

When all seems lost, the magical nanny Mary Poppins returns to their lives, bringing with her a new friend, a lamplighter named Jack. Together, they embark on an adventure to help the family rediscover the joy and wonder of life. Throughout their journey, they meet some peculiar characters, including Mary's eccentric cousin Topsy and an animated assassin’s guild, and of course, enjoy the company of a few unexpected musical numbers, including the show-stopping "Trip a Little Light Fantastic" reminiscent of "Step in Time" from the original film.

Emily Blunt shines in her portrayal of the iconic character of Mary Poppins. While she captures the original essence of the character, she also brings her own interpretation, resulting in a fresh and modern Mary Poppins. In addition, Lin-Manuel Miranda is a perfect addition as Jack. He brings his charisma and brings a touch of history to his Londoner character, enhancing the backstory department of the movie. But Ben Whishaw is the sentimental favorite, giving a heartbreaking performance as Michael Banks.

The movie is full of fun and magic, with vibrant aesthetics that are both nostalgic and contemporary. The production designs are breathtaking and are able to transport the viewers into the world of Mary Poppins. The colors of London and the animated sequences that fill the scenes are imaginative and fantastical, yet strikingly real.

The musical score accompanies the scenes perfectly, incorporating the original songs crafted by Robert and Richard Sherman such as "A Cover Is Not the Book," and "Can You Imagine That!", as well as the new material created by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, which seamlessly fit into the original score. In particular, the song "The Place Where Lost Things Go" struck a chord with the viewers, as it fittingly addresses the themes of loss and healing.

One of the charming aspects of the movie is how it pays homage to the original movie whilst still standing on its own. The movie is not a simple knock-off, nor does it aim to replace the original classic. Instead, it takes inspirations from the original movie and creates a unique and special story. It will bring a smile to the face of anyone who loved the original movie, while also attracting a younger generation that may not have even heard of Mary Poppins.

In conclusion, Mary Poppins Returns is a delightful, fun, and imaginative movie that wonderfully interprets the themes and sentimentality of the original classic. Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Ben Whishaw are captivating and bring a fresh and modern touch to familiar characters. If you are a fan of the original movie or just looking for a fun and magical movie to watch with your family, Mary Poppins Returns is definitely not one to miss.

Mary Poppins Returns is a 2018 fantasy movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 66.