Nanny McPhee Returns

Debbie Cerda started her review by admitting, “I didn't watch Nanny McPhee when the movie was released in 2005. Frankly, I found the image of the lovely Emma Thompson done up with hairy moles and snaggletooth quite frightening. However, after seeing Nanny McPhee Returns this week, I learned my own lesson from Nanny "little C, big P" McPhee -- don't judge a book by its cover.” Award-winning actress and writer Emma Thompson reprises her role as screenwriter and protagonist, but this time she’s also the executive producer, which might explain some of the famous actors in “Nanny McPhee Returns,” released in 2010. However, it’s not just the actors in the cast that make this film enjoyable. Thompson’s screenwriting skills give the youngest members of the cast with well-developed characters.

Based on the characters created by Christianna Brand in the Nurse Matilda series, the main story of “Nanny McPhee Returns” focuses on the same format. An accidental single parent is annoyed by misbehaving children, and Nanny McPhee arrives to teach the children five lessons. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Isabel Green, a mother overwhelmed by her three children and their two spoiled cousins who come to stay with them to avoid attacks happening in London (the film is set during WWII). Mr. Green, played by Ewan McGregor in a cameo role, has been away fighting in the war, and the family is in danger of losing the farm. Mrs. Green works in the local shop where she has to clean up after the forgetful old lady, Mrs. Docherty, played by Maggie Smith.

Eldest son Norman Green, played by Asa Butterfield, comes up with a way to pay for repairs to their tractor so they can start their harvest. However, their treacherous uncle Phil, played by Rhys Ifans, prevents their efforts. Cerda said, “As it turns out, his massive gambling debt puts his kidneys and the family farm at risk from collection by Miss Topsey and Miss Turvey ... two debt collectors I wouldn't want knocking on my door.” The children must work together to solve their problems, and Nanny McPhee gives just enough magic to help them along the way. Of course it doesn’t hurt that the cousins’ father Lord Gray, played by Ralph Fiennes, is head of the War Department.

Cerda admitted, “I have to admit that initially I thought Nanny McPhee Returns was a bit ridiculous, but after reminding myself that the film is based on a children's storybook I settled in for a pleasurable ride. Roald Dahl fans should enjoy the whimsical nature of this movie, especially when reminded to be careful what you wish for. The first lesson in "self-discipline" may come across a bit harsh to some folks, but I think the true message is "do unto others." The special effects are a bit over the top at times, but for a kids' movie they are much more palatable than last summer's Shorts. The sychronized swimming of the pigs had me groaning, but I know that it'll be the favorite for my mother and her second-grade class.”

What really stands out in “Nanny McPhee Returns” is the character development of the children, famously Norman Green and his cousins Cyril (Eros Vlahos) and Celia Gray (Rosie Taylor-Ritson). Cerda admitted, “Having recently enjoyed Asa Butterfield's performance in the emotionally moving film The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, I was quite pleased to see Butterfield in a well-thought out role as Norman.” Here’s a young boy who is doing what he can to help hold down the farm while his father is away, and determined that the family not lose hope. Cerda noted, “Cyril and Celia could have easily been shallow one-dimensional characters as the spoiled cousins. However, instead we see their vulnerabilities and true desire not to have absentee parents, with a mother busy in her social life and a father caught up with the war.”

The adult actors of “Nanny McPhee Returns” overact, and could have easily overwhelmed the children actors. Cerda things, “I have to wonder how much fun Rhys Ifans had as the dastardly bumbly uncle Phil, and Gyllenhaal with her British accent and looks of exasperation were just enough cheese to top off the frivolity.” Fiennes is great as Lord Gray, a serious man who finally sees that his young son Cyril may be more than he thinks. Emma Thompson as Nanny McPhee is of a less serious and more welcoming presence in this sequel. Their performances were well-balanced with the children actors, who turn out great performances. Even the youngest Oscar Steer as Vincent Green stole the show a few times because of how adorable he was.

“Nanny McPhee Returns” has a few sad moments, and deals with “adult” issues like war and organ removal for debtors, but like most children’s stories there’s a happy ending for everyone – well, maybe not for the evil uncle. Cerda said, “I enjoyed this film enough to rent Nanny McPhee that same night through Amazon Video on Demand. Although I can say that you don't have to see the first film to follow the storyline in Nanny McPhee Returns, there are a couple of Easter eggs that are a treat to find if you've seen them both -- not to mention the dashing Colin Firth as the harried parent in Nanny McPhee.” Families should really enjoy watching “Nanny McPhee Returns” for an end of the summer cost, loved by children of all ages.

I missed the chance to see this in theaters, but I did see it as a rental from the library. I thought this film was actually good, and might be on the same level as the first movie. Even though you might say it is the same story, it’s still good with how everything is played out. You might compare Nanny McPhee with Supernanny, which isn’t a bad thing. If you saw the first one and loved it, then I would recommend the second one for you. Check it out and enjoy yourselves.

Alright everyone, we have reached the end of “Emma Thompson Month.” I hope everyone enjoyed this month and have checked out all of these films, as I have not seen one movie of Thompson’s that I thought was bad. I’m sorry for posting this late. I was going to sit down and write the review when I was called for something and I ended up falling asleep. Stay tuned next month to see what I will review next.