Silverman has never been sharper or seemingly more confident as a comedian and performer, and the laughs are there–just not quite as many as might be expected.

Sentiment is at its heart. The legions who grew up on Disney’s Mary Poppins will find it delightfully satisfying to hear snippets of its enormously catchy songs and watch its captivating creative journey.

Well-written, terrifically acted and compelling. It deftly avoids sentimentality and offers a window into the lives of believable, multilayered characters.

Spectacular special effects, superbly crafted action sequences, plenty of humor and terrific performances render it a cut above most summer blockbusters.

The net result is an entertainingly frightening film that keeps the audience in a state of alarmed, but eager, anticipation.

Wong’s usual concerns overwhelm the film, and though his pairing of fisticuffs and longing is sometimes awkward, he surrounds the awkwardness with some of the most beautiful images in his career. In Wong’s world, beauty goes a long way.