Review by RCR entertainment reporter, Eric Szymanski, follow him on Twitter at @ecmanski

Mary Poppins is an iconic Disney character but how many of us were clamoring for her to return? After watching this 2018 film, all I can say is welcome back and it’s great to see you. Emily Blunt nails the role made famous by Julie Andrews over 50 years ago. It’s not her simply doing an Andrews impression but making it her own with a quick wit and dry delivery. In fact, the entire film was perfectly cast. I’ve never seen Hamilton but I can see how Lin-Manuel Miranda is considered a genius judging from the musical numbers. Now, we’re not getting the second coming of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocous but we are getting some toe-tapping fun songs. Songs that actually may resonate upon repeated viewings.

The story is fairly simple. The Banks children have now grown up and have fallen on some hard financial times. The kids fly a kite found in the attic and a familiar face emerges from the clouds. It’s the execution and attention to detail that really work. Even in the opening credits have a retro vibe. The classic animation fits perfectly making it feel like a seamless companion piece to the 1964 original. I haven’t seen Mary Poppins in years but it brought me right back to that world. One doesn’t necessarily need a refresher viewing before watching this sequel. I can tell you I picked up on nods even though it’s been so long and now I’d like to watch the 1964 classic all over again. (You can watch it linked below)

I know it’s probably going to sound cliché but the one word to describe Mary Poppins Returns is magical. Director Rob Marshall brought to life a world that felt nostalgic yet updated. It’s the perfect family movie for the holidays that all ages will enjoy. Not to directly give away any cameos, but we do get some veterans of the screen that will surely put a smile on your face. A certain Murder She Wrote alumni shall we say. A certain chimney sweeper from our childhood that shows up at the perfect time and does a dance number so good I wondered if it was done with digital effects. If your heart isn’t warmed multiple times during this movie, you may consider asking Santa for a new soul.

If I were to have minor complaints, it would be seeing Meryl Streep sing a forgettable tune in a forgettable scene. Colin Firth’s talents are a bit underutilized in his role as well. There’s honestly nothing else negative I can say. Emily Blunt proves she can do pretty much anything and be extremely likable doing it. The Banks children are all characters we can relate to as they travel through magical worlds. The set pieces are eye-popping. The musical numbers and score are straight up spirt lifting. With a runtime of a little two hours, not once was I looking forward to picking up my umbrella and flying towards the exit. In fact, I’m looking forward to taking the journey again. I suggest you do as well.

So welcome back, Mary Poppins! When it comes to big screen returns I’ve enjoyed over the years, you now join the company of Batman and the Jedi.

Grade: A-

See Mary Poppins Returns in theatres December 19!

About Mary Poppins Returns
In Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns,” an all-new original musical and sequel, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives following a personal loss. Emily Blunt stars as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any ordinary task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure and Lin-Manuel Miranda plays her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London.

“Mary Poppins Returns” is directed by Rob Marshall. The screenplay is by David Magee and the screen story is by Magee & Rob Marshall & John DeLuca based upon the Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers. The producers are John DeLuca, p.g.a., Rob Marshall, p.g.a. and Marc Platt, p.g.a. with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer. The music score is by Marc Shaiman and the film features all new original songs with music by Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman. The film also stars Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and introducing Joel Dawson as the Banks’ children, with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy. Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes, Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneystudios
Instagram: https://instagram.com/marypoppinsreturns
YouTube: https://youtube.com/disneymovietrailers
Hashtag: #MaryPoppinsReturns

Join the “practically perfect” Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) for a “Jolly Holiday” as she magically turns every chore into a game and every day into a whimsical adventure. Along the way, you’ll be enchanted by unforgettable characters such as the multitalented chimney sweep Bert (Dick Van Dyke). You won’t need a “Spoonful Of Sugar” to love every moment of this timeless Disney classic!

Photo Credit: Disney Studios