Nanny Mcphee, adapted by Emma Thompson (who also stars as the eponymous nanny) from the Nurse Matilda books by Christiana Brand, is destined to be an enduring children’s favourite. With a storyline that wouldn’t seem out of place in a Roald Dahl book and a cast that thoroughly enjoy themselves, it is an unpretentious modern fairy tale that manages to be funny, endearing, and a bit naughty – a winning combination every time.
Mr Brown (Colin Firth), an Undertaker by trade, has a problem – well, he has seven problems, all of them young, and all of them naughty. (If you count his wife having died recently, he does of course have eight problems. Well, and the fact that his children have now succeeded in driving away every nanny in England… so make that nine.) He loves his children dearly but is far too soft on them and doesn’t realise how distant he has become since his wife passed away. One day, after the last nanny has run away screaming from his beloved children and the agency says they have no more nannies on their books, a strange voice gives him a message…
”The person you need is Nanny McPhee”
Later on Nanny Mcphee does turn up… but the children decide she’s going to be scared off just like the last nannies. But they haven’t counted on Nanny Mcphee’s special powers…
We’re lead on a very predictable but thoroughly enjoyable romp during which the children of course become much nicer, and there’s a happy ending. No surprises there. The cast all look like they’re having a lot of fun, particularly the children (of whom the youngest one predictably gets the biggest laughs). Thompson displays an air of quiet authority and plays her role perfectly, Firth is predictably sombre and reliable, Kelly McDonald is fine as the love interest, Imelda Staunton as the cook is excellent, and old-timers Derek Jacobi and Patrick are hilarious as Mr Brown’s colleagues. Angela Lansbury also gives a fine performance as horrid Great Aunt Adelaide, who complicates matters no end by insisting that if Mr Brown does not re-marry within a month, she will withdraw her allowance – which effectively has enabled the family to keep the house for the past years as Mr Brown’s income alone could not. Celia Imrie is wonderfully revolting in her role as a potential future wife for Mr Brown…
There are plenty of funny moments, and the younger children in the audience roared with laughter several times. Director Kirk Jones (who also did “Waking Ned” and started off directing TV ads!) never forgets who his target audience are and continually delights them. At the same time however there are a few instances where a turn of phrase or a joke are obviously intended for the adults in the audience – on these occasions there’s always something going on that the kids are enjoying anyway, so they won’t even notice what you’re sniggering at.
The more serious aspects of the plot are glossed over quite quickly but despite their best efforts, the kids in the audience are likely to learn a few important lessons while they watch this. They won’t hold it against you though, they’ll have enjoyed themselves too much. This is tomfoolery at its grandest – unashamed, joyous, and above all funny. If you’ve got young kids they’ll no doubt make sure you watch this anyway, but for once you won’t be sitting there falling asleep. (Remember “Flubber”, anyone?!?!) If like us you haven’t got kids but just like the look of it, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Not classic cinema perhaps, but a lot of fun – and that’s what really matters! :-D I was going to give this 4 stars, but maybe it's worth 5 after all... It's far from sophisticated, but it works.
Other Details
MPAA: Rated PG for mild thematic elements, some rude humor and brief language. (UK rating "U" - Universal, suitable for all.)
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