Rebooting a classic film [1] is always tricky: you want it to pay tribute to the original, but it also needs to stand on its own. While many reboots fail to find the right mix of nostalgia and originality, Mary Poppins Returns [2] finds the perfect balance by adding a spoonful of sugar. Of course, one thing that works in the film's favour is that it's actually not a remake but a sequel [3]. Set 20 years later, Mary Poppins (now played by Emily Blunt [4]) returns to a grown-up Michael (Ben Whishaw) and Jane (Emily Mortimer) to teach them a few more valuable lessons. Not only is the film filled with sweet nods to the 1964 film [5], but it also brings the classic story to life in a whole new way. If you're a huge fan of Mary Poppins [6], here are just a few reasons you'll fall in love with the new film.
Emily Blunt's Portrayal of Mary Poppins Is Practically Perfect in Every Way
Emily Blunt [8] certainly had some big shoes to fill when she took on Julie Andrews's iconic role of Mary Poppins, but I must say she fits into them quite nicely. While she makes the character her own (her Mary Poppins is a bit more sarcastic than the original), she mimics memorable traits about the nanny: the way she flies with her feet facing out, the way she pats the back of her hair while looking in the mirror, and even the dainty way she holds her iconic umbrella. It's clear Blunt did her homework, and it pays off.
The Music Is Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Just one listen to the film's soundtrack [9] and you'll get major déjà vu. Not only does the music have the same upbeat peppiness of the original, but some of the songs are quite similar as well. While the track "Can You Imagine That?," sung by Emily Blunt [10], is reminiscent of "A Spoonful of Sugar," the song "Trip a Little Light Fantastic" by Lin-Manuel Miranda [11] sounds a lot like the classic chimney sweeps number "Step in Time." Not to mention, there are a few instrumental versions of classic Mary Poppins songs throughout the film.
There Are a Few Sweet Nods to the Original Movie
A big way Mary Poppins Returns pays tribute to the original is with little Easter eggs. From Michael and Jane's old kite (see above) to Mary Poppins's talking umbrella, there are tons of hidden references for fans to go crazy over.
A Few Familiar Faces Make Appearances
It shouldn't come as a surprise that one of the most emotional moments in the film is Dick Van Dyke's cameo [12]. The actor portrays Mr. Dawes Jr., the son of bank director Mr. Dawes from the original film, who was also played by Van Dyke. Not only is his scene a cute nod to the original film, but it's also hard not to burst into tears when he starts singing and dancing to "Trip a Little Light Fantastic (Reprise)." He's still got it! Additionally, Meryl Streep [13], Colin Firth [14], and Angela Lansbury have small roles in the film.
The Sequel Stays True to the Original Film's Main Message
One of the reasons Mary Poppins has become such a timeless classic is because it's a story about finding joy even in the worst of times, and the sequel does a great job encapsulating that same message. After losing his wife, a grown-up Michael Banks is at his wits' end when he is on the verge of losing his family home. While it seems like Mary Poppins has returned to take care of his children, she has actually come to remind Michael and Jane of how carefree they used to be when they were children and reinstall hope in their lives.
It Sheds New Light on the Beloved Story
While the sequel is similar to Mary Poppins in a lot of ways, it also adds something new to the beloved story. Since the film takes place during the 1930s Depression era in London, the story has a few darker undertones. Jane and Michael are also very different from the cheery kids we met in the original film. Now that they are adults, they are facing much more mature problems, like the loss of a loved one and financial struggles. It's interesting to see the memorable story through a whole new lens, and it ultimately helps set the sequel apart from the original.