MARY POPPINS RETURNS (2018) Movie Review
Proverbs 22:6 - "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." (NLT)
The incredible sequel to one of Disney most inspirational characters is here. Mary Poppins Returns follows its predecessor Mary Poppins after fifty-four years, ranking among the top five largest gaps between a film and its sequel. Emily Blunt takes on the tremendous task of filling the shoes of Julie Andrews as America's favorite magical nanny Mary Poppins.
Though half a century has passed for fans, only twenty-five years have passed for Michael and Sarah Banks. The children have grown, but the hard times in London put them back into their nanny's sight. In addition to the struggling economy, the family is grieving a tremendous loss. Desperate and alone, Michael's grieving heart calls for help. Mary Poppins hears him. Michael's wife passes away, and they find themselves in need of a strong mother figure in their lives during very difficult times. Desperate and alone, Michael's grieving heart calls for help.
Mary Poppins hears him, and she emerges from the heavens once again to offer guidance to him and his children. While Michael and Sarah deal with the serious task of saving their home, Mary Poppins serves as a lighthearted distraction for the children. More importantly, she teaches the children not to grow up too fast. She restores their childlike wonder through music, dance, and a touch of magic.
Meanwhile, Mary Poppins must tragically teach Michael the same lesson she teaches his father twenty-five years prior. He becomes so focused on fixing his financial problems and his job that he loses sight of his family. It is only when he learns to let go of the circumstances he cannot control and focus on his children is he able to fix the problems that loom over him. Armed with a new perspective on life, he is able to see the solution to problems, which was right in front of him the entire time.
Luke 18:16 - "Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, 'Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.'" (NLT)
The world is a cruel place. It is filled with bullies who inflict hardship upon the unsuspecting and vulnerable. On the other hand, it is also filled with people who inspire joy like Mary Poppins. She is a bridge builder. She opens the eyes of people around her to a world of music and magic. In doing so, she preserves the innocence of children. She keeps them from growing up too fast.
Without inspirational people, we are all in danger of losing our sense of creativity, innocence, and wonder. Christ encourages us to keep our childlike view of the world and of our faith. It is our job as Christians to inspire faith in the people around us and to remind them of goodness in this world full of hardship. Let us follow the example of Mary Poppins.
