Movie Review:

Nanny McPhee

Beware of magical nannies carrying big sticks!!!

Multi-talented Emma Thompson wrote the screenplay and stars as Nanny McPhee, a truly ugly crone with a big walking stick who rather magically comes to the aid of recent widower Cedric Brown (Colin Firth) when he simply can’t control his seven wild children who have methodically driven away 17 previous nannys. Pretty Evangeline (Kelly MacDonald), a maid in the household, is secretly in love with handsome Cedric but he doesn’t seem to have a clue as he frantically searches for a new wife in order to please his only benefactor, Aunt Adelaide (Angela Lansbury) who insists he marry immediately or lose her financial aid without which, he can’t support his family.

Will Cedric marry a classless widow who will be a horrible stepmom? Will Nanny McPhee reform the unruly kids? Will Cedric wake up and realize that he’s in love with Evangeline before it’s too late?

Based on the 1960’s series of British “Nurse Matilda” children’s books, Nanny McPhee , (a name-change suggested by Emma Thompson’s own mom), does a nice job of mixing the fun of pranks and food fights for the younger set with some more clever adult humor that can please older teens and parents alike.

The movie is kind of a darker version of Mary Poppins without the singing. There is the feel of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Lemony Snickett’s Series of Unfortunate Events to this film that provides just the right mix of bizarre and familiar. Hey, it’s got talking, dancing donkeys, a great food fight and some touching romance. Girls will love to see the fashion transformation of poor maid Evangeline into a gorgeous lady. British acting pros embody all the supporting roles and they really know how to deliver a funny line!

The “look” of Nanny McPhee goes from dark hues to ultra colorful, outlandish costuming as the story changes locales and tone. This is an intelligent kids’ film that you can take little bro or sis to and not feel you are drowning in sickly sweet “cuteness”. A good matinee to take in!

 

This movie is rated PG

Official Movie Web Site - http://www.nannymcphee.com/

Pictures courtesy of and copyright Universal Studios, 2006