Mary Poppins Returns Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A magical nanny pops in, sings some questionable songs, and somehow fixes everyone’s problems with kite-based financial planning.

🍿 Mary Poppins Returns: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Banks Family in Distress

Set in 1930s London during the Great Depression, Michael Banks, now a widower with three children, faces financial hardship. He struggles to balance his work at the Fidelity Fiduciary Bank with raising his children, Annabel, John, and Georgie. The family home at 17 Cherry Tree Lane is at risk of foreclosure due to a loan Michael took out after his wife’s death.

Mary Poppins Returns

Amidst the family’s despair, Mary Poppins arrives, floating down from the sky with the help of a kite Georgie is flying. She proclaims herself the children’s nanny, much to the surprise of Michael and his sister Jane. With her return, Mary Poppins brings a renewed sense of magic and wonder into the Banks’ lives, offering an escape from their troubles.

Adventures and Discoveries

Mary Poppins takes the children on a series of fantastical adventures, including a bath that leads to an underwater world and a visit to her eccentric cousin, Topsy. These experiences help the children rediscover joy and imagination, while subtly teaching them important life lessons. The adventures serve as a distraction from the looming foreclosure but also equip them with resilience.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt): The enigmatic and magical nanny returns to the Banks family to help them rediscover joy and wonder during a difficult time.
• Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda): A cheerful lamplighter and friend to Mary Poppins, who aids her in bringing magic and optimism to the Banks family.
• Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw): A widowed father struggling to raise his three children during the Depression era while facing the threat of losing his home.
• Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer): Michael’s sister and a labor organizer, who supports her brother and helps care for her nieces and nephews.
• William Weatherall Wilkins (Colin Firth): The corrupt president of the Fidelity Fiduciary Bank, who schemes to repossess the Banks’ family home.
• Annabel (Pixie Davies): The older daughter of Michael Banks, who is serious and responsible.
• John (Nathanael Saleh): The older son of Michael Banks, who is smart and skeptical.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mary Poppins: “Everything is possible, even the impossible.” – Mary Poppins encourages the children to believe in the power of imagination and hope.
• Mary Poppins: “Nothing’s gone forever, only out of place.” – Mary Poppins comforts the children, reminding them that even loss is a part of life’s journey.
• Jack: “When life is getting you down, sometimes a change of perspective is all you need.” – Jack shares his optimistic outlook, suggesting that a different viewpoint can help overcome challenges.
• Mary Poppins: “A cover is not the book. So open it up and take a look.” – During the song and dance, Mary Poppins is teaching everyone not to judge things based on outward appearances.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $130,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $171,958,438
• Worldwide Gross: $362,529,106

💥 Mary Poppins Returns Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went in expecting to be disappointed – you just don’t mess with a classic, right? But honestly, I was pleasantly surprised! Emily Blunt *owned* that role. The ‘Trip a Little Light Fantastic’ number was insane, and I got a little teary when Dick Van Dyke showed up. It’s not the original, but it’s a worthy successor that brought back some serious childhood feels. Definitely recommend for a feel-good family movie!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of the original Mary Poppins movie.”
  • “Families looking for a feel-good movie.”
  • “Those who enjoy musicals and fantasy films.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong female leads.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief moments of peril and suspense may frighten very young children.”
  • “Deals with themes of loss and financial hardship.”
  • “Some characters portray mild deceit.”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Emily Blunt is a worthy successor, bringing a delightful sternness and charm. While the songs aren’t as instantly iconic, the film recaptures the original’s spirit with dazzling visuals and heartwarming moments.
• Variety: “A vibrant and visually inventive sequel, though it struggles to escape the shadow of its predecessor. Lin-Manuel Miranda injects energy, and the set pieces are undeniably impressive.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Blunt nails the enigmatic nanny, and the film boasts stunning musical numbers. However, it occasionally feels too derivative, relying heavily on nostalgia rather than forging its own path.

Audience Reactions

Emily Blunt’s performance was practically perfect in every way!: Most viewers praised Blunt’s portrayal of Mary Poppins and the movie’s visual spectacle.

The musical numbers were fun, if not as memorable as the original.: While the new songs were enjoyable, many agreed that they didn’t have the same lasting impact as the first film’s soundtrack.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and entertaining sequel that, while not surpassing the original, successfully captures its spirit and charm, largely thanks to Emily Blunt’s performance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Rob Marshall was determined to honor the original film while creating something new. He watched ‘Mary Poppins’ repeatedly and studied behind-the-scenes footage to capture the essence of the original.”
• “Lin-Manuel Miranda spent time with a dialect coach to perfect his Cockney accent, but also incorporated his own unique flair, drawing inspiration from various London accents.”
• “The animation sequence was created using hand-drawn techniques combined with modern technology, paying homage to the original film’s innovative use of animation.”
• “Dick Van Dyke insisted on performing his dance routine on top of the desk himself, showcasing his enduring energy and talent at the age of 91.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mary Poppins Returns?

Mary Poppins Returns is available for streaming on Disney+. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mary Poppins Returns, you might like these similar films:

• Mary Poppins (1964): The original film that introduced the world to the magical nanny and set the standard for musical fantasy.
• Paddington (2014): A charming family film that combines live-action with CGI to create a heartwarming story about finding your place in the world.
• Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971): Another Disney classic that blends live-action with animation and features magical adventures in wartime England.
• Enchanted (2007): A modern fairytale that playfully deconstructs Disney tropes while celebrating the power of optimism and finding magic in everyday life.

🛒 Mary Poppins Returns Related Products

• Mary Poppins Returns (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Get the full soundtrack with original songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. This is a digital download so you can listen on the go.
• Funko Pop! Disney: Mary Poppins Returns – Mary Poppins: A Funko Pop figure of Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins, complete with her iconic carpet bag. Perfect for fans of the movie.
• LEGO Disney Mary Poppins’ House Playset: 17 Cherry Tree Lane comes to life in this amazing building set. Featuring the Banks Family and accessories from the film. This would be a wonderful Christmas gift.
• Mary Poppins Returns – ‘Lost Things’ Poster: A high-quality poster featuring the iconic ‘Lost Things’ theme from the film, perfect for decorating a room or office.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mary Poppins Returns features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “(Underneath the) Lovely London Sky” – performed by Lin-Manuel Miranda
• “A Cover Is Not the Book” – performed by Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda & Company
• “The Place Where Lost Things Go” – performed by Emily Blunt
• “Trip a Little Light Fantastic” – performed by Lin-Manuel Miranda & Company

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Dick Van Dyke’s Mary Poppins Return Had the Director Crying

Did you know the director of Mary Poppins Returns got emotional when original Poppins star, Dick Van Dyke returned? Listen to what he has to say about this special reunion.

Mary Poppins Returns (2018) – Behind The Scenes – VFX Breakdown

Have you ever wondered how the magic of Mary Poppins Returns came to life? Take a closer look at the special effects that brought this enchanting film to the big screen.

How Bert Knows Mary Poppins | Disney Theory: Discovering Disney

Have you ever pondered the curious link between Bert and Mary Poppins? Dive into this Disney theory that explores their enigmatic relationship, which may shed new light on both the original and the new Mary Poppins Returns film.

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