Nanny McPhee (2005) Synopsis:
In this dark and witty fable, Nanny McPhee (a person of an unsettling appearance and magical powers) enters the household of the recently widowed Mr. Brown and attempts to tame his seven exceedingly ill-behaved children. The children, led by the oldest boy Simon, have managed to drive away 17 previous nannies and are certain that they will have no trouble with this one. But as Nanny McPhee takes control, they begin to notice that their vile behavior now leads swiftly and magically to rather startling consequences. Her influence also extends to the family's deeper problems, including Mr. Brown's sudden and seemingly inexplicable attempts to find a new wife; an announcement by the domineering Aunt Adelaide that she intends to take one of the children away; and the sad and secret longings of their scullery maid, Evangeline. As the children's behavior begins to change, Nanny McPhee's arresting face and frame appear to change as well, creating even more questions about this mysterious stranger whom the children and their father have come to love.
Nanny McPhee (2005) Movie Review:
After losing their mother, the seven Brown children had forced seventeen nannies to walkout because of their increasingly bad behaviour. When the agency tells their father Mr. Cedric Brown (Firth) that there are no more nannies left, he is at the end of his tether but that is when he hears a knock at the door. Standing there is Nanny McPhee (Thompson), who says she has been sent by the government to help him with his unruly children and she is no ordinary nanny.
Family oriented films can be very hit and miss with many of them missing the magic that all of the family can enjoy but can British film ‘Nanny McPhee’ cast a spell over you?
Adapting the story from the best selling Nurse Matilda books by Christianna Brand, Emma Thompson brings the magical world of Nanny McPhee to the silver screen. It is the quality of her script that draws you in from the off, as this fairy tale unfolds before your eyes. In a very un-Poppins like way, Nanny McPhee uses magic to teach the children five key lessons that will make them not need her any more and they are definitely not coated with a spoon full of sugar to help them go down. The children are completely out of control since the death of their mother and a firm, guiding hand is needed to bring them back to the well behaved, good and loving children they once were.
Lead by the eldest son Simon, the mischievous seven reek havoc on anyone that tries to force their way into the Brown household. With numerous tricks up their sleeves, Simon, Eliza, Eric, Christianna, Sebastien, Lily and Aggie think they can get rid of anyone but Nanny McPhee is very different. The problem is that they see everyone as a treat with all the fairy tales pointing to the fact that after your mother dies your father forgets about you and marries, leaving you with an evil stepmother who makes your life a living hell. These two storylines combine wonderfully with Mr Brown’s own financial and family problems to produce a tale with all the magically trappings that make it fantastic family entertainment.
The quality of the story and the script has managed to attract some of the best British talent. Colin Firth leads the cast as the head of the household, Mr Cedric Brown. A funeral director by trade, the man is still grieving for his departed wife and his financial woes are not making things any easier. This is an excellent role for Firth, as it shows he is more than just a romantic comedy actor. The talented Kelly Macdonald is also good as the Brown family’s maid, Evangeline, who brings some heart to the picture. The performances of the seven children are also a highlight, with none of them overly annoying and the excellent Thomas Sangster as Simon, standing out. Add to this the quality of Celia Imrie, Derek Jacobi, Patrick Barlow, Imelda Staunton and the legendary Angela Lansbury as Great Aunt Adelaide and you have a first-rate supporting cast.
Leading the way however is a very understated but all accomplishing performance from the brilliant Emma Thompson as Nanny McPhee. The character is there to give the children a push in the right direction and make them remember how they used to be but is the magical Nanny that holds the entire film together. While she may not have a lot to say, her presence is what drives the story along and opens the children’s eyes to life without their mother.
‘Nanny McPhee’ is an outstanding example of family entertainment that the film industry seems to have forgotten about for quite some time. It is nice to see a film that is not driven by product placements, merchandising or the possibility of becoming a franchise but just there to entertain a family of adults and younger children. ‘Nanny McPhee’ is destined to become a firm family favourite.
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Nanny McPhee (2005) review written by: Jamie Kelwick
6th September, 2008 
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