Mary Poppins Returns

— A surprisingly steadfast sequel with a measured blend of whimsy, merriment, nostalgia, and magic, that still isn’t quite right. I went in doubting Disney could pull it off, but a half hour into it I admit I was enjoying myself, realizing what an uncommon experience the original had been. The problem with the new film may be with the music which just doesn’t measure up, and the choreography sometimes is more “Moulin Rouge!” than “Mary Poppins.” I don’t think I’ve seen the original since 1964, but it’s clear the sequel takes care to mimic the story as much as possible; unfortunately, some variation might have been a better choice. The film is technically polished in every way, mostly enjoyable, and has a rousing finish, but it’s just missing the twinkle the original had. I am grateful Emily Blunt was chosen to ever-so-slightly morph Mary into the next generation, although I am less certain about Lin-Manuel Miranda as the lamplighter replacement for Dick Van Dyke’s chimney sweep. Meryl Streep’s song is a stand-out and the cameos by Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury reminded us the old folks still can charm an audience. I got my money’s worth, mostly thanks to Blunt.

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[2018. 120 min. Directed by Rob Marshall. Starring Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, and Emily Mortimer.]
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/02/movies/lin-manuel-miranda-mary-poppins-returns.html