Nanny McPhee

Reviewer: Alyice Edrich

The Movie

Nanny McPhee, 2006

Starring

Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Kelly Macdonald, Thomas Sangster, and Angela Lansbury.

Plot

Cedric Brown is recently widowed with seven out-of-control children. His children have chased away 17 nannies before a mysterious woman appears and presents herself as the “Nanny McPhee, the government nanny”. When she tries to reason with the children, they outright defy her. Instead of losing her cool, she uses a little “mischief” of her own to show them the errors of their ways.

In the beginning, it’s unclear as to why the children have turned into little terrors, but as the film progresses, it becomes painfully clear that the children misbehave because their father’s grief (over the recent loss of their mother) and his struggle to keep them together has caused them to feel as though they’ve lost both parents.

Then Nanny McPhee appears and she seems to understand everything…the unspoken words, the hurt feelings, the anger, the confusion, and the sadness. Quietly, and without great intrusion, Nanny McPhee guides the children, transforming them from brats to loveable children with the ability to listen, follow directions, and use their manners. And every time the children change on the inside, Nanny McPhee’s appearance changes on the outside: one wart disappears and then another and pretty soon she no longer looks “ugly” but beautiful—a wonderful reflection of how our actions, feelings, and mannerisms reflect our true inner beauty.

Review

What I love about Nanny McPhee, the film, is its ability to capture the attention of our youth and instill in them a wonderful life lesson while subtly reminding parents how important it is to not only make time for our children but to be a presence in their lives and to actually, whole-heartedly listen to them.

Nanny McPhee, the film, is full of comedic pranks that are sure to have you laughing in your seats. It’s truly a light-hearted, funny, fast-paced film the whole family can enjoy!

Order Nanny McPhee today!