Mary Poppins Returns Movie Review | Safe for Kids?

The magical world of Mary Poppins has enchanted generations, and with the release of Mary Poppins Returns in 2018, a new chapter began for this beloved character. But with the movie being a sequel to a Disney classic, parents are understandably curious: Is Mary Poppins Returns safe for kids?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key elements of Mary Poppins Returns to help you decide whether this whimsical adventure is suitable for your children. From its PG rating to its family-friendly themes, this review will give you an in-depth look at the movie’s content and age appropriateness.

Mary Poppins Returns Movie Review | Safe for Kids?

Mary Poppins Returns brings back the charming, magical nanny in the form of Emily Blunt, alongside the lovable, upbeat character of Jack, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda. With the promise of a fun-filled, musical journey, it’s easy to see why many parents are eager to introduce their children to this sequel. But does it meet the standards of safety and appropriateness for younger audiences?

The movie balances nostalgia with modern twists, making it accessible to both parents who grew up with the original Mary Poppins and a new generation of children. However, like any family movie, there are moments that might be too intense or confusing for younger viewers. Here’s an overview of what to expect.

Key Highlights:

• Age Recommendation: Best suited for children aged 6 and up
• Themes: Family, imagination, resilience, and hope
• Visuals: A blend of live-action and animation, with whimsical and colorful scenes
• Mild Action: There are a few moments of action, but they are generally light-hearted
• Music and Dancing: The film features several uplifting and family-friendly musical numbers

Overall, Mary Poppins Returns is family-friendly and safe for most kids, but it’s important to consider your child’s sensitivity to certain scenes.

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The Visuals: Magical and Whimsical or Overwhelming?

One of the standout features of Mary Poppins Returns is its stunning visuals. The movie brings back the magical world of Mary Poppins, combining animated and live-action elements to create an enchanting experience. These visual effects play a key role in drawing viewers into the story, but it’s important to assess whether they’re appropriate for younger children.

Visual Style:

• Animated and Live-Action Blend: The movie features a unique blend of animated sequences and live-action moments, paying homage to the original film’s whimsical style. This includes bright, colorful scenes with dancing penguins and even a surreal moment with animated animals.
• Vivid Color Palette: The use of rich colors and vibrant sets helps immerse viewers in the whimsical world of Mary Poppins, evoking a sense of wonder.
• Mildly Intense Moments: While most of the visuals are fun and light-hearted, there are a few intense scenes. For instance, the scene where Mary Poppins and the children journey into a chalk painting might be too surreal for younger viewers. Similarly, a sequence involving a kite flying dangerously close to a thunderstorm could be perceived as alarming for some kids.

While the visuals are stunning and captivating, they may overwhelm younger children, especially those who are sensitive to fantastical or surreal imagery.

The Story: Fun Adventure or Overcomplicated for Kids?

The story of Mary Poppins Returns follows the Banks family, now grown, as they face personal and financial struggles. When their home is threatened, the magical Mary Poppins returns to help them rediscover joy, hope, and the power of imagination. With the addition of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s character, Jack, who brings light and positivity, the movie carries strong themes of family and resilience.

Themes in the Story:

• Family and Togetherness: At its core, Mary Poppins Returns is about the importance of family and the unbreakable bond between parents and children. The Banks family must come together to face their challenges, learning the value of love and support.
• Imagination and Hope: The movie emphasizes the importance of imagination, with Mary Poppins guiding the children on whimsical adventures that inspire creativity and positivity. This is a strong message for young viewers, encouraging them to dream big and never lose hope, even in difficult times.
• Mild Thematic Elements: While the story is mostly light-hearted, there are some mildly complex themes around loss, responsibility, and growing up. These elements are handled in a child-friendly manner, but they may be difficult for very young children to fully understand.

The story is easy to follow for most kids, but the deeper emotional themes might resonate more with older children and adults.

That PG Rating: What Does It Really Mean?

Mary Poppins Returns has been rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America, which means that it’s generally suitable for children, though some content may not be appropriate for very young viewers. But what exactly does the PG rating entail? Let’s break it down:

Key Elements of the PG Rating:

• Mild Language: The movie contains some mild language, like “darn” or “shut up,” but nothing inappropriate for children.
• Mild Action and Peril: There are a few brief action scenes, like when Mary Poppins and the children ride a kite through a storm or when they face an intense chase involving the character of the bank’s villain, Mr. Wilkins. These scenes are more whimsical and adventurous than violent.
• Brief Suggestive Language: There’s a minor level of suggestive humor and innuendo, which might fly over younger kids’ heads but could raise some questions for older ones.

The PG rating tells you that while the movie is suitable for children, parents should still assess whether their child will be sensitive to the movie’s emotional depth or mild peril.

What Age Rating is Recommended for Watching Mary Poppins Returns?

Based on its content, the ideal age range for Mary Poppins Returns is 6 and up. While the movie is family-friendly, younger children may find some scenes a little too intense or confusing. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Age Range:

• Children 6-9: This age group will enjoy the whimsical adventure, catchy songs, and vibrant visuals. They might not fully grasp the emotional themes, but the entertainment factor is high.
• Children 10-12: Older kids will appreciate the deeper emotional themes, such as the importance of family, resilience, and imagination. The brief action scenes may still be mildly intense, but they are age-appropriate.
• Teens and Adults: Teens and adults will likely enjoy the nostalgia of the Mary Poppins legacy, the strong performances, and the musical numbers. Some of the emotional beats may even resonate more with this age group, making it a great movie for family viewing.

Overall, Mary Poppins Returns is best suited for children aged 6 and up, though younger kids may still enjoy it with parental guidance.

Overall: Is Mary Poppins Returns Safe for Kids?

So, is Mary Poppins Returns safe for kids? In general, yes! The movie is family-friendly and appropriate for most children, especially those aged 6 and older. While there are some intense moments, they are balanced by fun and uplifting sequences, memorable musical numbers, and a heartwarming story.

Pros:

• Family-friendly with positive messages about imagination, hope, and resilience.
• Beautiful visuals that blend animation and live-action, appealing to all ages.
• Fun musical sequences that will have kids tapping their feet.
• The charming performance of Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins.

Cons:

• Some emotional moments may be too intense for very young viewers.
• A few brief action sequences could be slightly alarming for sensitive children.
• Mild language and suggestive humor may require parental guidance.

Planning to Take Your Family on a Whimsical Adventure?

Mary Poppins Returns is a fantastic choice for a family movie night, especially for those looking to introduce their children to the magic of Mary Poppins while enjoying a modern twist. The movie offers something for everyone, whether it’s the nostalgic value for parents or the enchanting adventure for kids.

Tips for Parents:

• If your child is sensitive to emotional content or intense scenes, consider discussing these themes with them before watching.
• Prepare for the film’s uplifting musical numbers by getting ready to sing along!
• Make it a special family event by watching the original Mary Poppins first.

Looking for More Parent Movie Reviews Like Mary Poppins Returns?

If you’re looking for more family-friendly movies to watch, check out these recommendations:

• Frozen II: Another Disney sequel filled with adventure, music, and powerful themes about family.
• The Incredibles 2: A superhero family film with action-packed moments and a heartfelt message.
• Toy Story 4: A fun and emotional journey with familiar characters from the beloved Toy Story series.
• Coco: A heartwarming Disney-Pixar film that explores family, culture, and following your dreams.

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In conclusion, Mary Poppins Returns delivers a whimsical, family-friendly adventure that both kids and adults can enjoy. With its heartwarming themes, magical visuals, and catchy songs, it’s a delightful sequel that fits well into the legacy of Mary Poppins. Whether you’re revisiting this iconic character or introducing her to a new generation, this movie is definitely worth a watch for families.

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