Mary Poppins is a Disney classic that is near and dear to a lot of people's hearts. That's why when I heard Disney was making a sequel based on PL Traverse's other books in the Mary Poppins series (which the original was based off of) I was skeptical. It wasn't a live action remake, but making a sequel to one of the most successful musicals of all time is a bold effort that could go wrong in so many ways. However, when Disney released the trailer a few days ago, my hopes were lifted. Here are a few of the thoughts I had while watching. Also, if you haven't seen the trailer yet, check it out here!
1. Michael Banks needs a hug!
Michael is really a sad figure in this one. His childlike wonder was clearly taken from him when his wife died, and he sounds like his father when he tells Mary Poppins he's been filling the children's heads with nonsense. But it's a Disney movie, so we know that's going to get fixed somehow
2. It's so weird to hear Lin Manuel Miranda with a cockney accent!
Quite a leap from rapping about Alexander Hamilton to a lamp lighter named Jack! However, I think it's pretty solid due to the fact he's been living in London these past few years. Better than Dick Van Dyke's accent as Bert for sure. Sorry Dick! I'll make it up to you in this article later on, promise!
3. Emily Blunt can still sing really well, so we're fine
Let's be real, no one will ever be Julie Andrews. But Emily Blunt is a highly competent singer. It may be only one lyric in the trailer, but she has sung before in the film adaptation of Into the Woods, so don't worry, Mary can still belt it out
4. This animation is ON POINT
First of all, the style pays homage to the original film. Second of all, it looks like what the original animators could only have DREAMED of making. The colors are so vibrant and clear, and Mary and Jack's clothes look like they were drawn onto them!
5. ...Will there be a "Little Mermaid" easter egg?
I mean, if Mary is taking the kids swimming, there's gotta at least be a dinglehopper placed cleverly somewhere so the camera can catch it. I wouldn't be surprised if this Nanny has flown all over the Disney universe at all sometime in her travels. Who says she needs to stay in England?
6. These sneak peeks at the musical numbers make my heart wanna dance!
Jack has a top hat and cane! The lamplighters are clicking their heels together! Eeek I can't wait to see what other choreography they've come up with!
7. Wow, this is a stellar cast!
Angela Lansbury? Check. Julie Walters aka Mrs. Weasley? Check. Academy Award Winner Colin Firth! Check. The incomparable Meryl Streep! Double check. I guess no one can resist the magic of Cherry Tree Lane.
8. And finally, God Bless Dick Van Dyke!
See, I told you I'd make it up to him, didn't I? 54 years later, Dick is tap dancing with the same energy he had playing Bert and he's 92 years old! While he won't be playing the dear chimney sweep in this one, having him in the sequel does give the impression he's passing the torch of the Mary Poppins legacy
And that's the end of the trailer! I'll be at the movie theatre, won't you join me?
