Nanny McPhee
The term ‘nanny’ has taken on many incarnations, including the latest development made famous by Britney Spears, the manny. Even the numerous nanny films have seen a diverse band of characters take on the legendary childcare role. We’ve seen Robin Williams’ drag-persona Mrs. Doubtfire and the effervescent Mary Poppins take on myriad situations with tame and unruly children alike. But Emma Thompson brings the nanny genre back to its traditional roots in a superb way as Nanny McPhee, a magical yet oddly traditional teacher to those who need her.
The seven Brown children have driven their last 17 nannies to the brink of insanity. Not particularly keen on the idea of a replacement for their ever-absent father, they scream, mess, fight and do everything and anything even the most patient person would find exasperating. Down to his last nanny-finding legs, Father Brown (Colin Firth) stumbles upon Nanny McPhee in a magic shop in lower London. At first meeting, the children brush off their newfound nanny as another easy target, commencing their antics. But they soon find out the truth behind their big nosed, wart-faced friend, and all are changed for the better.
The storyline, while traditional, captures the spirit of “Mary Poppins” while adding enough charm of its own to stand out. Thompson’s script has plenty of heartfelt and hilarious moments between the children, Nanny McPhee and the delightful supporting cast. Evangeline (Kelly Macdonald) is Father Brown’s love interest, providing an engaging side storyline along with Aunt Adelaide (Angela Lansbury). One particularly fascinating scene occurs when Adelaide comes to visit, and due to her son’s unfit parenting, decides to take one of the four girls away to raise as her own. Everyone, including Nanny McPhee, must resort to whatever means, magical or not, to stop her from breaking up the siblings. What happens is a series of beautiful computer graphics, humor and solid writing and acting to complement the engaging atmosphere.
Audiences young and old can appreciate the fantasy quality of the storyline, which feels like a classic children’s novel come to life. The film flows beautifully from one segment to the next like a storybook, without any lag or boring moments. And anyone familiar with Oliver Twist will find seven little Olivers in the incredible talents of the seven child actors, including the eldest played by “Love Actually’s” Thomas Sangster. They all bring their roles to life, exhibiting incredible range as they grow older and wiser from Nanny McPhee’s special brand of teaching.
Thompson proves, with Nanny McPhee, she can mesmerize and engage through her writing and acting abilities. Showing her versatility in the film industry, she has given us a true treat that goes beyond a mere children’s nanny story and into a realm of timeless stories, with tried and true lessons that even those beyond childhood will appreciate and enjoy.