Mary Poppins Returns - 4 nominations

Costume Design - Sandy Powell
Original Score - Marc Shaiman
Original Song - "The Place Where Lost Things Go" - Music by Marc Shaiman; Lyric by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman
Production Design - John Myhre (Production Design); Gordon Sim (Set Decoration)

Mary Poppins has indeed returned to help her former charges, Jane and Michael Banks - siblings who she nannied in their childhood, and has arrived to care for Michael's three children as the now adult siblings brace to lose their home.  Aided by her friend and chimney sweep, Jack, Mary makes everything spit-spot during a time of turmoil in their lives as only the magical Mary Poppins can do.

I understand those who cling to their childhood rendition of Mary Poppins brought to life by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke (who has a wonderful cameo in this film).  I understand the defensiveness and the reluctance to sully a film that means so much to people.  I understand, but I cannot join in this sentiment.

I loved every minute of this film, and actually, it's because I love the original so much that I feel so strongly about this version.  Every minute was a tribute to the original.  Every song could be matched to a song from the original.  Every feeling could be matched to a feeling from the original.  And every lesson matched a lesson learned from the original.  This film is a stand alone success, but it's greatness is magnified when compared with the first.  The costumes and the production design updated but captured the serious and the whimsical, and I was magically immersed through their excellence.

I do not expect any Oscars to be awarded to this film.  But you'll do yourself a favor if you decide to see it.

Hear the song: