A Spoiler Free Parent’s Review of Mary Poppins Returns

Mary Poppins Returns is being raved as an Oscar contender and has already racked up 4 Golden Globe nominations. The highly anticipated sequel dances its way into theaters just in time for the holiday. But is Mary Poppins Returns appropriate for kids? I’ve got the answers! 

Is Mary Poppins Returns Appropriate for Kids?

I was invited to an advance media screening in exchange for my review. All opinions and thoughts are 100% my own. 

I got to see an advanced screening of Mary Poppins Returns at the end of November and it’s been so hard keeping my mouth shut! But finally, I can dish the dirt with you all. 

Full disclosure I haven’t seen the original Mary Poppins in years! But I loved it. I wish I had taken the time to rewatch it before heading to see the sequel. I think it would have added a little to the overall experience, but I don’t feel it took anything away not having watched it. 

Mary Poppings Returns approriate for kids under 10

I’m big on not telling parents what they should and shouldn’t let their kids watch. I am a firm believer of going in knowing what to expect when it comes to little ones. But you know your child best and know what they can handle and what they can’t!

Mary Poppins Returns is one of the most wholesome films I’ve seen in quite some time, I wouldn’t say it’s exactly 100% family friendly. But there isn’t one curse word in the whole movie! Which with a PG rating can be hit or miss with those pesky swear words. But bad language has never been a make it or break it deal for me, even when my kids were young. 

My biggest concern about taking little ones is that there is one part in the movie that can be deemed scary. It’s right after the circus song and dance number. It’s a dangerous, kidnapping scene which last a little longer than I’d like. My youngest was my scaredy cat and he’d have been upset during the scene. 

The movie does deal with some significant adult issues – the grief of a parent and wife passing, financial struggles including losing a home and some dastardly people.  If you have a sensitive child or if those scenarios could resonate with the kids, I’d say you may want to prepare them in advance or wait for it to come out on video. 

Tweens and Teens 

Depends on your child! Mine would have been bored to tears and asking “how much longer”, so I left him at home. But a friend of mine brought her 12-year-old son and he loved it. Tweens and Teens are a tough crowd and Mary Poppins Returns could be a hit or miss with them. But if you think your kids would love it or at least tolerate it – Take them! 

I do suggest keeping in mind the tough topics Mary Poppins Returns does deal with. There may be questions asked afterward if you have curious kids, like mine. 

My overall review of Mary Poppins Returns

Mary Poppins Returns was good and I enjoyed it. But I didn’t leave the movie convinced it was the award-winning film, I’d wanted. I’ve been told I have to see it again and that it is better the second time around. 

Emily Blunt was adorable. It could be said she was magical! But honestly, she wasn’t Mary Poppins. While, it would have been different than the books, Emily could have been the daughter of Mary and Bert and the movie would have been practically perfect in every way! 

Ok here goes the unpopular opinion – I needed more from Lin-Manuel. He didn’t hit the right marks for me. The lamplighters “A Little Light Fantastic” was a highlight for me. The tune was fun and catchy, while the dance number was a show-stopper.  

The throwbacks to the original were what made the movie for me. Dick Van Dyke kicking his heels up at the ripe age of 92 was mindblowing. He’s still got it! And by the ohs and ahs of the rest of the audience, they liked it too. 

Mary Poppins Returns is a cute movie, but I think it missed its mark as being a “family movie”. It is perfect for my age group and our parents. Those that grew up with Mary Poppins and can see the film through eyes filled with nostalgia.