Review: "Mary Poppins Returns" is a Dazzling Good Time

Scene from Mary Poppins Returns

There is something daunting and rare about director Rob Marshall's Mary Poppins Returns. It's a sequel to Oscar-winning beloved family film that has become one of Disney's towering achievements (they even made a movie called Saving Mr. Banks to remind us of this). So, where could Marshall possibly go with 50 years of distance and generations hooked on some of movie musicals' most memorable music? The answer is simple. It goes for the whimsy, trying its best to capture the enthusiasm of the original while attempting to make a new story that compliments advanced technology to bring the landscape to life in ways not available in the mid-60's. While the music isn't quite on par or the performances as immediately iconic, Marshall has continued to prove himself one of the premiere musical directors of the 21st century with a quaint new holiday treat that may not match the original, but serves to entertain for a few hours as best it can.

The First Trailer for Cannes Favorite "The Lobster" is Strangely Funny

Continuing the release of trailers for movies that played at Cannes is the latest from director Giorgos Lanthimos called The Lobster. The Greek director has made a career out of making films that are challenging studies of identity, most prevalent in the films Dogtooth and Alps. With his English debut, he gets a lot of high profile actors to tell what is probably one of the strangest stories yet. If a man doesn't marry, he will turn into a lobster. To most of you, you likely checked out, baffled by that plot description. However, I do think that the first trailer at very least looks to be an entertaining romp.

Howard Returns to Bountiful Excitement with First "In the Heart of the Sea" Trailer

Chris Hemsworth

It is hard to write for something called The Oscar Buzz without giving some consideration to director Ron Howard anytime he comes out with a new film. While this one is unfortunately not going to be eligible for this year's race, it does look really good in ways that a March release usually doesn't (here's looking at you, Serena). Packed with adventure, In the Heart of the Sea is a particularly grandiose film full of peril and rather effective looking set pieces. With Chris Hemsworth leading the film, there can only be hope that the film is so great that it overcomes its humdrum release date and becomes something far greater. At least, the first trailer would suggest the chances.