DVD Reviews

Nanny Mc Phee

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Celia Imrie
• Details: UK and US, 97 mins, (G)

Emma Thompson's screenplay is loosely based on Christianna Brand's delightfully wicked Nurse Matilda books. However, in terms of delivery and narrative, this production is a far cry from the original creation. Colin Firth stars as Cedric Brown, a widower with many, many (well, seven) children. Since his wife's demise Mr Brown is unable to keep a nanny - the children have gleefully gotten rid of 17 sitters. To cap the unhappy circumstances off the family are facing financial ruin unless he remarries in one month as Great Aunt Adelaide (Lansbury) will cut off their income.
Then the grotesque Nanny McPhee appears Mary Poppin-style into their lives. And even though the childer actively try to get rid of this magical minder, they have met their match. It turns out all they need is love and discipline, and the rather ugly Nanny McPhee is more than happy to provide the latter. But as they begin to behave more appropriately Nanny becomes decidedly better looking and everyone grows fond of her. Basically what we have here is a thoroughly wholesome and charming English yarn. Whilst fairly predictable and flatly directed the proceedings are good-natured and the cast are sterling - definitely one to watch with the younger kids on a rainy afternoon.

Review by Elaine Reilly