Cars 2

Cars 2; Setting the Cars characters in a James Bond/M:I spy genre is an inspired choice. Too bad Mater’s stupid schtick is the driving force of the film, as his annoying dumbness is infuriating to watch. Some good jokes, some great animation but the clueless guy mistaken for suave spy falls flat; C+

Mary Poppins Returns

Mary Poppins Returns; Unbelievably earnest in achieving a sweetness so pleasing it invites diabetes. Lovingly mirrors the original without feeling dated or doting, the songs, animation and performances prop up a fairly obvious story arc; A-