Disney has returned yet again with a sequel that will bring out the nostalgia and inner child in all of us. The new movie “Mary Poppins Returns” takes place 30 years after Mary Poppins first appeared in London, following Michael’s three children, Annabel, John and Georgie, as they get their own visit from the magical nanny!
The Banks family is in trouble when they find out their house will be sold unless they find a way to pay back their loan. Michael and his sister, Jane, remember that they have bank shares that would pay off the debt. However, they only have a limited amount of time to find the stock certificate.
Emily Blunt does a wonderful job playing the main character we all know and love, adding her own humor and attitude to the iconic role. One of the most magical scenes in the movie is when the kids accidentally break their mother’s bowl and Mary takes them inside the bowl to enter a world of talking animals, like the pavement chalk scenes in the first movie.
The story is more directed toward fans of the first film, rather than young children who may be confused by the search for bank certificates or not understand some of the deeper meanings of the movie.
This movie’s songs aren’t as memorable as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and the other songs from the original movie. Yet, each one carries a message that teaches a lesson for everyone — even Penn Staters. For example, Mary Poppins teaches the importance of using your imagination, no matter how old you get. She also encourages the kids to understand that “anything is possible, even the impossible.” So, while we cannot magically pull something out of a bag to help us in college, Mary Poppins reminds us to never give up. No matter how bad the situation, whether it’s the stress of being in debt or anxiety caused by exams, we can always try to keep having fun. Life doesn’t have to always be serious.
One of the best songs from the film is “A Cover is Not a Book.” In this scene, Mary and Jack, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, dance and sing about not judging a book by its cover. Penn State is a school filled with 40,000 students, which means you’re exposed to new people every day. This song tells us not to judge someone based on how they look or present themselves. Take the time to get to know people — you never know who might become a friend.
With other songs, such as “Trip a Little Light Fantastic” and “Nowhere to Go But Up,” Mary Poppins encourages all college students to remember what it feels like to be a kid again and to “trip a little light” when you feel like you’re in the dark.
So if you’re looking to relive your childhood and get a pep talk from Mary Poppins, add this to your must-see movie list!
