Nanny McPhee
By Jane Louise BoursawAverage User Rating:
MPAA Rating: PG
When Cedric Brown (Colin Firth) loses his wife, no nanny will put up with his seven unruly children – until the mysterious Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson) comes along. With a big nose, hideous warts and a snaggle-tooth, Mary Poppins she's not! But like Poppins, it seems that Nanny McPhee possesses a few magical powers. The children soon realize that the behavior which caused 17 previous nannies to leave won't work with McPhee. As she takes control, the children notice that their vile behavior leads swiftly and magically to startling consequences.
Her influence also extends to the family's deeper problems: Mr. Brown's sudden attempts to find a new wife; an announcement by the domineering Aunt Adelaide (Angela Lansbury) that she intends to take one of the children away; and the sad and secret longings of their scullery maid, Evangeline (Kelly Macdonald).
PRE-SCHOOLER (ages 2-5): The mysterious Nanny McPhee and her magical powers are a bit scary for preschoolers. Instead, start little ones on some gentle magic with Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs, based on the best-selling books by Ian Whybrow and Adrian Reynolds. Seen on the Cartoon Network, this show tells the story of 5-year-old Harry, who jumps into his magical bucket and transports himself into Dyno World, where his six dinosaur toys become full-sized playmates. Four- and 5-year-olds might be ready for a spoonful of sugar from Mary Poppins.
GRADE-SCHOOLER (ages 6-10): Some scenes might be a little intense for 6-year-olds, but older grade-schoolers will love the food fights and crude humor (although you might want to give them a "don't-try-this-at-home” talk before seeing the movie!). And parents will love the fact that Nanny McPhee teaches the children that manners matter, actions have consequences, and much depends on that magic word, "please".
TWEEN/TEEN (ages 11+): There's enough romance in this movie to keep tweens and teens happy, along with a lively plot, creative script (by Emma Thompson) and fine performances by all the actors, including the children, who are engaging, but never nauseating. Thompson could have easily given an over-the-top performance, but she hits it just right, warts and all. All in all, this is a beautifully crafted fable for 7-year-olds on up. Note: This movie is based on the Nurse Matilda books by Christianna Brand.
Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries.
