Mary Poppins Returns| 3 out of 4 Stars | Rated PG
By Kyle Osborne
This is a challenge for someone my age–someone who remembers the original in its earliest days, if not its actual premiere (that part is fuzzy), because it’s impossible for a “sequel” to match that initial experience.
And, of course, Mary Poppins Returns does not live up to the standard set by the 60’s Disney magic. Foremost due to the fact that I can’t remember a single song from this new release without looking through production notes. The score is delightful, but the songs, I predict, will not be sung by future generations the way Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Chim Chim Cher-ee and A Spoonful of Sugar have done.
On the other hand, the great Emily Blunt is pitch perfect in the title role-just the right mix of prim, proper, but with naughty undertones. And Lin-Manuel Miranda is an appealing hoofer, singer and, well, Chimney Sweep. The candy colored animation seems to be the old school 2-D style, mixed with the live action actors in several set pieces that are fun and funny, though often a beat too long.
In fact, Director Rob Marshall, so good at making movie musicals, could have tightened up the whole affair. At more than 2 hours long, one imagines it could be a hard sit for the tiniest of tots.
But only a Grinch could deny the holiday cheer that is built into this nod to a simpler time. And the appearance by a bearded and bespectacled Dick Van Dyke will bring a smile to all the old folks.
Like me.
Kyle Osborne
Kyle Osom is a very great and nice actor. He is a very superb. I hope in this year he will make a new movie like before. Thank you so much