Mary Poppins Returns
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Mary Poppins Returns
Mary Poppins Returns is a heartwarming musical fantasy that continues the beloved story of the magical nanny, set in Depression-era London. Decades after her original visit, Mary Poppins returns to Cherry Tree Lane to assist the now-grown Michael Banks, a widowed father struggling to raise his three children and facing the potential loss of his family home. The film transports audiences on a series of whimsical adventures, blending live-action with vibrant animated sequences, as Mary Poppins, along with the charming lamplighter Jack, endeavors to bring joy, imagination, and hope back into the Banks family's lives. The movie explores themes of grief, financial hardship, and the importance of wonder and resilience in the face of adversity. With its memorable musical numbers and dazzling visuals, "Mary Poppins Returns" aims to rekindle the magic of its predecessor for a new generation while delivering messages about family unity and finding light in dark times. It is generally considered suitable for a broad family audience, focusing on imaginative escapism and heartfelt emotional journeys. However, parents may wish to be aware of certain elements. While the film is largely lighthearted, it does contain some intense scenes, particularly animated sequences involving peril, and addresses mature themes such as loss and financial struggles. Some song lyrics and character interactions have also drawn specific attention for their potential interpretations or subtle undertones.
Things to Consider
Romance and Sexual Content
While the film lacks explicit sexual content, some scenes and song lyrics have been noted for having suggestive undertones or interpretations. A specific musical number involves Mary Poppins in a manner described as potentially sexualized, and certain allegorical lyrics have been interpreted by one source as metaphors for non-consensual acts.
1. During the 'A Cover Is Not the Book' musical sequence, Mary Poppins' performance includes a 'sexier haircut,' 'showing some leg,' and a 'pelvic thrust,' which some reviewers found to be an attempt to sexualize the character in an uncharacteristic way. 2. A clinical psychologist interpreted lyrics from 'A Cover Is Not the Book' as containing metaphors for rape. Specifically, a female tree is depicted refusing a male tree's advances, yet he 'took root' (interpreted as penetration and impregnation), leaving her with 'seedlings everywhere.' Another lyric mentions a wealthy woman on the beach 'wearing nothing but two feathers and a leaf,' further contributing to this interpretation.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Parental Guidance is recommended for children under 8, with suitability increasing for those aged 8 and above. This recommendation is due to mature thematic elements such as grief and financial distress, alongside several intense animated chase sequences and some contentious interpretations of song lyrics that may be unsettling for younger or more sensitive viewers.
Good to Know
The film's runtime of 130 minutes may be lengthy for very young children. While the film is a sequel to the original 'Mary Poppins,' it tackles more somber themes of loss and financial struggle, making it potentially more emotionally taxing than its predecessor. The movie's strong emphasis on imagination and finding joy in difficult circumstances provides positive messages for family discussion.
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