Holly on Hollywood
“Mary Poppins Returns”
by Holly McClure
MARY POPPINS RETURNS is a family musical set in the 1930s, that picks up several decades after the 1964 film, “Mary Poppins”. Michael and Jane, the two Banks children at the center of the original story, have grown up to become a grieving widower (Ben Whishaw) and a caring sister (Emily Mortimer). Michael has three children (Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and Joel Dawson) who are still grieving their mother’s death. But never to worry, the next generation of Banks kids are in for a treat when Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) returns to Cherry Tree Lane to care for them and teach the entire family valuable lessons, with help from their friend, lamplighter Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda). Colin Firth, Meryl Streep, Angela Lansbury also star.
This is a PG family-friendly movie but the plot deals with the death of the children’s mother, there is a villain and a few scenes of suspense (including a mostly animated chase through dark woods), but nothing is ever scary. Blunt is perfect in every way as Mary Poppins, keeping nostalgic viewers happy with tributes to the original character and beautifully carrying a tune. Miranda is a pro and is shows and I was delighted to see Dick Van Dyke and Angela Landsbury make an appearance. The music was fun, not as catchy as the original but let’s face it, no one can compare to Julie Andrews. The whimsical, playful story creates a delightful world with amazing production design, colorful costumes and catchy, songs penned by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (a few of which contain references to the Sherman Bros.’ original 1964 score). The plot is a little thin, the movie a bit long and if I’m being honest, I was a little disappointed…I think I was trying to re-create my original experience as a kid. Mary Poppins Returns It’s definitely worth seeing – will this sequel replace the original? No – but it’s still a sweet movie worthy of making a Christmas memory!
~Holly On Hollywood~
Holly_McClureHolly McClure is a multimedia personality with a career that spans over 20 years in the entertainment industry. Her background as a film critic, film and television producer, creative director, filmographer, radio and television host, author and pundit for family values, has established her expertise and made her a recognized advocate for family-friendly entertainment.
Holly was the first family film critic syndicated in over 365 newspapers with The Orange County Register. Her “Holly on Hollywood” movie reviews have been featured on TBN, Daystar and can now be seen on Uplift TV, The Word Network, UANetwork, Parables.tv and other affiliates.
In 2002, Mel Gibson asked Holly to come to Italy and film the behind-the-scenes interviews for The Passion of the Christ. She produced a one hour special, The Making of The Passion of the Christ (TBN, ION) and has since produced numerous press features for films like; Do You Believe, Dancer and the Dame, God’s Not Dead, The Frontier Boys, House, Thr3e, One Night With the King, Midnight Clear, The Visitation, Hangman’s Curse and others.
Holly is a charter member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and serves on the advisory boards of The Dove Foundation and The Parents Television Council. She is a proud mother, grandmother, mentor and Christian, and passionate about supporting and creating life-changing entertainment!
For more information visit Hollymcclure.com or IMDB.com
