Mary Poppins Returns Review: 5 Ups & 4 Downs

1. The Disappointing Moral Message

Without going into much detail, the crux of the movie's conflict involves the recently-widowed Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) attempting to locate a certificate which will prove his ownership of bank shares and allow him to keep the foreclosing family home.

It's a fine enough setup, and seemed ripe for an affecting finale where Michael comes to learn the importance of family over possessions as they downsize into a smaller house while remaining a tight family unit.

Instead, the third act basically goes the deus ex machina route and conjures up an all-too-easy solution for the family. Given Michael's stubbornness at refusing to sell his lush, oversized mansion of a London home, it doesn't seem like a particularly inspiring message in a Britain imminently due to be financially decimated by Brexit.

Yes, there is of course a lot to be said for the memories a family home creates, and nobody's saying a Mary Poppins sequel needed any social commentary, but still, the ease with which Michael's predicament is ultimately solved robs the ending of some of its potential poignancy.

We're asked to feel immense sorrow for a man who could sell his luxurious home, buy something much smaller and still live in comfort far above that of the average person.

If you can accept these glaring issues, however, there is a lot of fun to be had with the movie. Here's everything Mary Poppins Returns gets right...