Review by John M. Delia, Jr.
Based on the original screen play of 1964, its sequel continues with the same style, but goes beyond the animation, imagination, and magical wonders that these characters provide. It continues where we left off back in the day and goes even further into the character’s lives with an amazing musical adventure.
The Banks children have now grown up and Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) has three children of his own, Anabel (Pixie Davies), George (Joel Dawson), and John (Nathanael Saleh). After the death of his wife his sister Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer), an activist for workers’ rights, moves in with Michael. She has been helping him out as much as she can along with Ellen (Julie Walters) the housekeeper, and things seem to be going well.
When the situation starts to get tough for the Banks family, help comes when Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) shows up to lend her services. With the help of her friends Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda), a lamplighter and former apprentice of Bert, Topsy (Meryl Streep), Mary Poppins eccentric cousin, and The Balloon Lady (Angela Lansbury), things start looking up for the Banks.
With special appearances from Dick Van Dyke (Mr. Dawes Jr), Angela Lansbury, Meryl Streep, and Colin Firth (William “Weatherall†Willins) the story brings more to the table. It begins where we left off and blends the newer film in the old style of the original film. There’s a special very heartwarming performance by Dick Van Dyke who plays the Chairman of Fidelity Fiduciary Bank in the movie. Even though it’s just a small part, I enjoyed seeing the actor once again as will those who remember his fine acting.
Director Rob Marshall finds a way to present this film so well, that it could be watched in conjunction with the original smash hit as if they were produced in the same era. The acting is superb and brings back memories of the original story we once loved. Marshall does a wonderful job staying authentic to the time period and brings back the world of the Banks family. And the special effects take you back into time to a place we once knew and should win our hearts all over again.
Final Comment: This very entertaining movie is a sure hit for everyone, the music, the acting, and the complete wonder of it all will win everyone over. This enjoyable continuing adventure definitely makes it a film worth seeing on the big screen. I base my grade on the imaginative storyline, fine special effects and the remarkable performances. (4 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information
Cast: Emily Blunt, Dick Van Dyke, Meryl Streep, Angela Lansbury, Emily Mortimer, Colin Firth, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Julie Walters, Pixie Davies, Joel Dawson, and Nathanael Saleh.
Directed and written by: Rob Marshall
Genre: Animated, Drama, Family, Fantasy, and Musical.
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for some mild thematic elements and brief action.
Running Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Release Date:Â December 19, 2018
Distributed By: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
Released In: Standard, Dolby Digital, and D-Box.