‘Mary Poppins Returns’ takes you on a journey through imagination

What’s in the sky? Why, it’s Mary Poppins, and she’s back in the wonderful fantasy-adventure “Mary Poppins Returns,” directed by Rob Marshall.

If you haven’t seen the original “Mary Poppins,” that’s a good place to start, considering “Mary Poppins Returns” is a continuation of the original.

Based off of an eight book series, specifically “Mary Poppins Comes Back,” the film takes place in 1935 during London’s depression-era.

Twenty-five years have gone by and the Banks children are all grown up. Michael Banks, played by Ben Whishaw, is a widowed banker who struggles to pay off his bank loans and take care of his three children, Anabel (Pixie Davies), John (Nathanael Saleh) and Georgie (Joel Dawson). Desperately in need of help with his house and kids, Mary Poppins swoops in and saves the day, by becoming their nanny.

Played by Emily Mortimer, Jane Banks falls for her neighbor, Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda). Jane lives with her brother and helps to take care of her niece and nephews. Having very little time to pay off their loans, the Banks are in search of a certificate, proving that they have ownership over the shares their father had left them before the bank takes possession of their house.

Released in December of 2018, this film stars Emily Blunt (“The Devil Wears Prada” and “Into the Woods”) as Mary Poppins, the nanny, alongside Miranda (best known for writing and starring in “Hamilton”) as Jack, the lamplighter.

Though no one can replace Julie Andrews (original Mary Poppins) or Dick Van Dyke (Bert the chimney sweep) from the original film, Blunt and Miranda are unforgettable triple threats that add just the right amount of humor.

In the original, Bert and Mary Poppins share a close bond, which is similar to the relationship between Jack and Mary Poppins in the reboot. Though neither relationship is specified, it’s safe to assume that both characters are lifelong friends of Mary Poppins.

The only disappointment was that none of the iconic songs from the original were included such as “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Feed the Birds,” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.” On a positive note, the film introduces all new musical numbers, some of which include “A Cover Is Not A Book,” “Trip A Little Light Fantastic,” and “Can You Imagine That?”, which are my favorites.

As a fan of the original 1964 “Mary Poppins,” I had no doubt that I would love the sequel. Not only does this movie have great music and costumes, but the street set is practically identical to the set used in the original movie. There’s also special guest appearances by Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury.

Dyke is widely known for starring in the original “Mary Poppins” and 1968’s “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Lansbury is eminent for her role in 1971’s “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” and for voice acting as Mrs. Potts in Disney’s animated “Beauty and the Beast.”

This is a must see film that will get all ages singing and dancing. In my opinion, the wait was worthwhile, for Mary Poppins takes you on an incredible journey through imagination.