Mary Poppins Returns, the sequel to Disney’s original Mary Poppins, interweaves both Mary’s classic charm and the two Banks children into an enchanting new story. Taking place in the height of the Great Depression, Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) and Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer) return to the screen, now as adults and facing the threat of the looming house bills.

The movie opens with a serene view of 1930’s London and to a scene in the Banks home, in which a frazzled Michael is attempting to organize his three children. The family is healing from the recent loss of Michael’s wife, and Jane is living with them in order to provide financial and emotional aid. It is then that the lawyers from the bank arrive at the house, notifying Michael that he must fully repay the loan he had taken out or else his family will be evicted from their home.

The three new Banks children, Annabel (Pixie Davies), John (Nathanael Saleh), and Georgie (Joel Dawson), are sent to the store to acquire the family groceries. However, Georgie, being the source of cuteness in the film, becomes distracted when he sees a balloon in the park and goes to chase after it. Annabel and John frantically look for their brother while he completes his chase, eventually bringing them to the spot where Mary Poppins will appear ever-so-dramatically in the sky.

Throughout the movie, Poppins, played by Emily Blunt, leads the children in their quest to acquire money to pay the bills, as well as strengthens the relationships between Michael and his children. Embracing Poppin’s composed yet imaginative personality, Blunt leads the family to on a journey that both saves the house and reinforces the importance of imagination.

The movie includes many songs that mirror the original film, such as “Trip A Little Light Fantastic,” which is a take-off of “Chim Chim Cheree.” It is difficult for sequels to surpass the originals, and while Disney is no exception to this, they were able to capture a similar feeling of magic. The classic element of love is also apparent between Jack and Jane, and while their relationship is not the central focus of the film, viewers can still feel the chemistry between the two.

There are some scenes, however, that prioritize having musical numbers rather than furthering the plot. For instance, in the scene with Meryl Streep, who plays Poppin’s kooky cousin, the song the kids sing with her does not enhance the plot. However, it is still a fun song if one wished to dance along.

Overall, Mary Poppins Returns is practically perfect for both children and those who wish to embrace the same magic as the first film. The cast is eloquent, raw, and portrays the story in a way that makes them seem like old friends.