Mary Poppins Returns – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Mary Poppins Returns

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2018

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Emily Blunt takes the magical nanny reins in a lavish, earnest sequel that's practically perfect for... well, maybe your parents' nostalgia.

6.7/10

79%

6.5

→

Mary Poppins Returns

movie

PG, 2018

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Emily Blunt takes the magical nanny reins in a lavish, earnest sequel that's practically perfect for... well, maybe your parents' nostalgia.

6.7

79%

6.5

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6.7/10

79%

6.5

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Screenwise Verdict

Mary Poppins Returns is a perfectly safe, perfectly wholesome, perfectly... fine Disney sequel that checks all the boxes without much spark. It's beautifully produced with elaborate musical numbers and Emily Blunt doing her best with material that feels like it's trying very hard to recapture 1964 magic for 2018 audiences.

The truth? Modern kids will likely find it slow. At 131 minutes with old-fashioned pacing, it's a tough sell unless your family already loves classic musicals. The TMDB score of 6.5 tells the story—it's not bad, just not particularly memorable. Parents who grew up with the original may appreciate the nostalgia; kids raised on Moana and Encanto may wonder why everyone's singing so slowly.

If you have a patient 7-year-old who loves theater or you're intentionally introducing classic musical storytelling, go for it. But if you're hoping for something that'll genuinely captivate modern kids? This one's more 'practically adequate' than 'practically perfect.'

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-11 who have patience for old-fashioned musicals and long runtimes. Younger kids may enjoy the magic but will fidget; older kids will likely find it too saccharine and slow unless they're already musical theater fans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Classic Disney musical with strong themes of family, kindness, and cooperation. Models positive problem-solving through imagination and teamwork. The Banks family faces financial hardship with grace, and Mary Poppins guides them through emotional challenges. Pacing is gentle and age-appropriate, though at 131 minutes it's quite long for younger viewers.

Imaginative

Fantasy musical with magical adventures, animated sequences, and whimsical world-building. Encourages creative thinking through Mary Poppins' magical solutions and the blend of reality and fantasy. The musical numbers invite sing-alongs and imaginative play, though as a sequel it leans heavily on nostalgia rather than groundbreaking originality.

Safe

Family-friendly Disney production with no concerning content. The 'grave dangers' mentioned in the synopsis are likely mild financial/emotional stakes rather than violence or scary content. No indication of inappropriate material, though without an MPAA rating visible, assuming typical Disney PG standards. No platform safety concerns as it's a traditional theatrical film.

Enriching

Offers lessons about resilience during hardship, the importance of family, and finding joy in difficult times. The Depression-era setting provides historical context. Musical elements expose kids to theater traditions and classic songwriting. However, the entertainment value may feel slow and old-fashioned to modern kids accustomed to faster pacing. TMDB rating of 6.5/10 suggests it's fine but not exceptional.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Wholesome Disney musical with zero concerning content—safe to put on while you fold laundry
Strong messages about family resilience, finding joy during hardship, and working together
Musical numbers and fantasy sequences encourage imagination and creative play
Depression-era setting offers a gentle history lesson about perseverance
Lin-Manuel Miranda brings some energy to the classic Mary Poppins formula

⚠

What to Watch For

At 2+ hours, this will absolutely test younger kids' attention spans—plan for bathroom breaks
The whole thing is steeped in nostalgia for a 1964 movie your kids have never seen
Pacing is slow and earnest in that old-school musical way—modern kids raised on Encanto may find it draggy
Some mild peril around the family potentially losing their home, but nothing traumatic

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if someone like Mary Poppins showed up at our house?"
"The Banks family is worried about money—what are some ways they work together to solve problems?"
"Which magical adventure would you want to go on with Mary Poppins?"
"How does the movie show people finding happiness even when things are hard?"
"Do you think magic is the real solution, or is it something else Mary Poppins teaches them?"

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