Mary Poppins Returns is the delightful sequel (not remake) of Mary Poppins. However, is Mary Poppins Returns kid friendly and appropriate for families? Here’s the rundown of profanity, sexual content, and violence in Mary Poppins Returns and whether you should take your 6-year-old to see Mary Poppins Returns. Although not perfect, was it practically perfect?
Is Mary Poppins Returns Kid Friendly?
In the grand scheme of things, yes, Mary Poppins Returns is kid friendly. It’s a great family movie for the holidays, however, there are some “buts.” But is Mary Poppins Returns too long? Yes. But is Mary Poppins Returns a sequel? Kind of. But is Emily blunt as great as Julie Andrews? Unfair question.
Language in Mary Poppins Returns
I am happy to report there is no bad language as far as profanity is concerned in Mary Poppins Returns, unless you’re British. There was one use of the word “bloody.” There are some words like “peabrain buffoons” and the phrase “on the sauce,” but that’s the extent of bad language in Mary Poppins Returns.
Violence in Mary Poppins Returns
There is a scary scene in Mary Poppins Returns that could be frightening for young children 6 and under. It’s partly animated, and the children in the film are scared, but it’s not too bad.
Mature Content in Mary Poppins Returns
Mary Poppins Returns deals with the aftermath of the death of Michael Banks’s wife. This could be hard for children who have lost a parent or family member. They also talk about financial hardships, so some of the content is deep.
Also, Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins is kind of rude. I don’t think it’s over the top, and in fact, it made me laugh, but it may be too much for children.
Sexual Content in Mary Poppins Returns
Overall there was no sexual content in Mary Poppins Returns. There was some flirting between Jane Banks and Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda), but nothing overt.
In the performance of A Cover is Not the Book, there was once scene where Mary Poppins comes out almost Catherine Zeta Jones like in Chicago. There was a pelvic thrust, and it just felt odd. It’s like they were trying to sexualize Mary without putting her in a risqué costume. It passed quickly, and then fun dancing continued.
Is Mary Poppins Returns Appropriate For Kids Under 8?
In my opinion, Mary Poppins Returns is appropriate for kids ages 8 and up. This mostly has to do with the length and content of the film. If your children are fans of musicals, then I think they’ll really enjoy Mary Poppins Returns.
If you’re looking for The Greatest Showman type musical, then this isn’t it. The Greatest Showman felt like one storyline, while Mary Poppins Returns feels a little choppy and a bit disjointed. However, that can also be said for the first one if you’re counting the Uncle Albert scene, like one friend pointed out to me.
Mary Poppins Returns is 2 hours and 10 minutes. That’s long for small children, even with all the popcorn and soda a kid could ask for. There’s one song with Meryl Streep that is catchy and fun, but I still don’t understand what it had to do with the movie. I was just confused about the plot, but I did love her character, because she’s the only one who talks back to Mary.
I felt the same way about Trip a Little Light Fantastic. I actually loved the musical number but felt it was a bit forced in the film. It reminded me of Newsies with adults.
Should You Take Your Kids to see Mary Poppins Returns?
YES!! I can nitpick on things I didn’t like or felt forced or that weren’t perfect, but in the end, it’s a film that left me smiling and singing. What was interesting when I was in the theater (after opening day) was that the adults were having so much fun! I was sitting next to two ladies older than me, and they were giggling, clapping, and commenting on all the things they loved.
Is Mary Poppins a sequel? Technically, yes. It’s a continuation of the Mary Poppins story, but Mary Poppins is still supposed to be the same person, even though she’s not.
In that respect, it felt like a remake. But Emily Blunt does a wonderful job of portraying her, and I enjoyed the extra bit of cheekiness from her character.
ETA: I did take my whole family, including my 6-year-old, and they all enjoyed it! The two youngest did feel the length of the movie, but they love music, so the musical numbers held it together for them.
The dance scenes and songs are delightful, the costumes full of whimsy, and the casting for everyone was spot on. Then there was Dick Van Dyke! His scene left me in awe of what a remarkable man and actor he is. I did long a little bit for Bert, and then his grin lit up the screen in a different character.
The cameos and nods to the original film were welcome additions, and the spirit of the film was one of joy, imagination, and family. I did cry, hardly a surprise, but the sentiment and nostalgia hit me.
No, Mary Poppins Returns is not perfect, but it is practically perfect. Practically perfect is exactly what my family needs this holiday season.
MARY POPPINS RETURNS is in theaters now!