Mary Poppins Returns review — So spectacular you’ll always remember the first time you saw it.

Every five to ten years or so, a seminal film is released that has so much impact you remember exactly whom you saw it with and where you saw it. Star Wars? The Godfather? Frozen? For me, Mary Poppins was a film like that.

My grandparents, who lived in Santa Monica, took my sister and I to see it in one of Hollywood’s grand movie palaces when it first opened. Mom bought us the L.P. afterwards, and we listen to it daily. I can still sing almost every lyric from every song.

I wasn’t sure if anything could even come close to those grand childhood memories, so much larger than life as childhood memories tend to be. I am thrilled to report that Mary Poppins Returns equals, if not surpasses them. It’s not a perfect film, but it’s so packed with joy, creativity and sheer delight that the minor flaws hardly merit mention.

Emily Blunt is a more than worthy successor to Julie Andrews in the title role. It’s safe to say that Lin-Manuel Miranda as lamplighter Jack (who takes the place of chimney sweep Burt) equals Dick Van Dyke, wavering cockney accent and all.

But the true glory of the film lies in the joy and the sheer wonder of the brilliant visuals. Disney has used all its dizzying resources to put something truly riotous, spectacular and dazzling on the screen.

The all new music sets those scenes off splendidly. We hear our classic favorites in subtle cues that explode into new songs preordained to become the next generation’s childhood anthems.

Director Rob Marshall has given due respect to the original Mary Poppins, while creating something new and wondrous for today’s, somewhat more sophisticated viewers.

This is one that you definitely want to see on the biggest screen, with the best sound system, in your neighborhood. Make an event of it, maybe take the young ones out for a special treat afterwards. They will always remember you, and the wondrous cinematic treat you shared with them. An opportunity like that doesn’t come along every day.

Rated PG

2 Hours 10 Minutes

Since this Mary Poppins Returns review has doubtless made you want to run out and see it, reserve the best seats at Fandango.com.

Mary Poppins Returns review — So spectacular you’ll always remember the first time you saw it.