Mary Poppins is back. It took half a century, but Mary Poppins Returns is dropping into Western New York Movie Theatres.
I should mention that I read the books and saw the original film back when I was eight.
So, this review may be slightly colored by nostalgia for the characters. Even so, the film is … and I don’t use this word often … a delight.
See, it’s the 1930’s now and the Banks family has fallen on hard times, and Mary Poppins has returned to help.
Not to take anything away from the great Julie Andrews, but Blunt is marvelous as Mary Poppins.
The mixture of live action and animation is charming, the songs are really good, and the casting is great. Mary Poppins Returns is Rated PG for some mild thematic elements and brief action. If you have kids, watch the original with them, and then take them to see this film. It’s worth 5 out of 5 boxes of popcorn, and we’ll throw in a spoon full of sugar. This is a great Christmas Day film, and if you haven’t already, a great way to introduce young readers to the books.
There are so many fine performances and musical numbers, the film is really captivating.
As you might imagine, I read a lot of comic books when I was a kid, and one of the great DC characters finally has his own film.
Jason Momoa and Amber Heard lead one heck of a cast. Aquaman opens this weekend. Don’t go expecting to be intellectually challenged. This superhero origin story is basically a Special Effects driven thrill ride. Oh, it’s a lot of fun, but that’s really all it is…a vehicle for getting another DC comic book franchise off the ground. It’s Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for some language. It’s worth 3 and a half out of 5 boxes of popcorn. If you’re an Aquaman fan, go. Believe me, the plot is easy to understand.
Hailee Steinfeld performs against a giant CGI robot in Bumblebee. This is really a prequel to the whole Transformers series. It’s another Special Effects fest, but it kinda charming. It’s got a good cast and is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action violence. It’s not a very demanding film and clanks its way to 3 out of 5 boxes of popcorn. Oh, and John Cena proves he can almost act.
If you’re just not a fan of science fiction or fantasy, there’s still stuff opening for you at the box office.
Saorise Ronan and Margo Robbie try to bring the 16th century to life in Mary, Queen of Scotts. It’s the story of the conflict between Queen Mary and her cousin, Queen Elizabeth. It’s Rated R. Critical response seems to be lukewarm. History buffs, go see it, you’ll have fun picking it apart.
J-Lo fans will probably flock to see Second Act. It’s a rom-com based on resume fraud. Once critic described the script as “nearly hopeless.” It’s Rated PG-13 for some crude sexual references, and language. I’m gonna pass until it’s available On Demand.
One film I will be seeing this weekend is Welcome to Marwen. Critics are slightly more enthusiastic about this film. I really like Steve Carell, so I’m going. This story of one man’s recovery from physical and psychological trauma is Rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence, some disturbing images, brief suggestive content, thematic material and language.
And a terrible trauma lies at the heart of Vox Lux. Natalie Portman leads the cast in this exploration of the price of fame and celebrity. It’s Rated R for language, some strong violence, and drug content. It’s getting okay reviews.
A good number of diverse films opening this weekend.