Mary Poppins Returns: A Sequel, Not a Remake, with New Music and Animation

Mary Poppins Returns, directed by Rob Marshall, opens in Italian cinemas on December 20, 2018, distributed by Walt Disney. The film is a sequel set 20 years after the original 1964 classic, following adult Jane and Michael Banks. Michael, now a widower, struggles to care for his three children and save his home from foreclosure in post-1929 Depression London. Emily Blunt stars as Mary Poppins, with Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury in supporting roles. The cast also includes Meryl Streep, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, and Colin Firth. The screenplay draws from other novels by P.L. Travers, not just the first book. The soundtrack, entirely new and omitting songs from the original, was composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Scott Wittman. The film features vibrant animation with strong colors like blue, pink, black, and gray. The Italian dubbing has been criticized for hindering appreciation of the actors' performances, with Meryl Streep's accent particularly affected. Viewers are advised to watch in original language with subtitles. The film has received positive international reviews but mixed Italian ones.