Rob Marshall (1) (1960–)

My movie-year of 2019 started with a cinema trip to see the Mary Poppins sequel. Which was, I found, good. Not great, by any definition, but hardly a waste of time, either, which it so easily could have been. Very adherent to the tone of the original, it is perhaps a bit too revering to add much personality of its own. It doesn't have the strong emotional throughline of the classic, nor does it quite manage to capture its sense of joyful whimy. But the songs are quite good, there are show more definite moments of pathos here and there (Michael's song to his late wife is particularly heartbreaking, to me at least), and it's just different enough not to feel like a rehash. In today's landscape of endless remakes and unnecessary sequels, this one lands firmly in the "I really don't mind that they made this" category, and if the more updated pace and look can charm new generations of children to go back and watch the old one, then all the better. Also, I suppose that when they inevitably make a third one, be it this decade or in five, there will be some room for innovation there, having (probably wisely) played it safe with this one. show less

I'm not a big fan of musicals in general but I love the 1920s, and Chicago contains one of my favorite musical numbers: The Cell Block Tango. (AKA the Murderesses Row song.) I love the stage conceit that's used throughout the movie to highlight and contrast the real world events. It's just a fun, easy to watch film with a lot of talent. I love the cameo from the OG Velma but I wish Jerry Orbach (the OG Billy Flynn) had made a cameo too!

As far as a live-action remake in Disney's collection goes, this isn't bad, though I do wish some things were different. I really did enjoy Melissa McCarthy as Ursula though, and was happy she was given a better backstory for this version of the Little Mermaid.

What happens when you devote an all star cast and excellent crew on a very minor musical. Predictable if you've ever read a fairy tale, without a single memorable tune. What a waste.