Mary Poppins Returns Review: 5 Ups & 4 Downs

2. The Stellar Supporting Cast

Emily Blunt is absolutely the reason to see the movie, of course, but aside from that iffy Meryl Streep cameo, pretty much the entire supporting cast brings something great to the table.

The easy stand-outs among the ensemble are Lin-Manuel Miranda, who plays cockney lamplighter Jack, and despite not writing the songs or lyrics lends his usual enthusiasm; Ben Whishaw as a terrifically forlorn Michael Banks; a never-hammier Colin Firth as the president of the local bank; Dick Van Dyke in a delightful cameo as Mr. Dawes Jr.; and Angela Lansbury, also in cameo form, as The Balloon Lady.

It's easy to see why so many names were attracted to the project, and even when the film isn't at its best, you can't blame the cast for not giving it their all. Their clear enjoyment is infectious and transpires through effortlessly to the audience.