I know. "An Instant Classic" is an overused critics' praise. But folks, this movie deserves that praise and more. Why do I say "For All Ages"? Because the movie has appeal for people of any age. (O.K., maybe not infants).
But, I also mean that the movie is ageless. People viewing movies in a dawn of "talkies" would have enjoyed this film. Ditto for all the decades in between and certainly for current movie fans.
The movie is a magic trip through cinemaland in all aspects: writing, acting, music, cinematography and, directing.
Director Kirk Jones only has one other movie listed in his directorial resume: "Waking Ned", a delightful farce which debuted in 1998.
With Jones' excellent direction, the other primary creative force in the production of this film is the extremely talented Emma Thompson, who is one of the few persons to have won Oscars in two diverse categories: Best Actress for "Howards End" and Best Screenplay for "Sense and Sensibility." It was Ms. Thompson's idea to bring Christiana Brand's "Nurse Matilda" books to the big screen. The idea was brilliant as was the execution of that dream.
THE PLOT
Cedric Brown has a major problem. His wife has just died and his seven children do not want him to re-marry. The children have managed to run off 17 nannies because they believe a "nannyless" family will not give their father time to find a new bride.
Cedric's problem is even greater due to the fact that his wife's elderly Great Aunt Adalaide (played with devilishly evilness by Angela Lansbury of "Murder She Wrote" fame) is going to cut off Cedric's and the childrens' monthly support if Cedric does not marry within 30 days.
What's the poor man to do? Enter Nanny McPhee. There have been otherworldly hints that Nanny McPhee is the "nanny Cedric needs" but when she arrives in all her, hmm, quite unattractive physical qualities (large warts, one protruding bucktooth, and a nose the size and color of a tomato), it does not seem possible that she can tame the wild children.
Nanny McPhee tells Mr. Brown that she has five rather fundamental lessons to teach the children and then she will be gone. She tells the children:
"When you need me, but do not want me, then I will stay. When you want me, but do not need me, then I will go."
Nanny McPhee is not just the "super" nanny that we see regularly on the disgusting weekly reality shows that exhibit little urchins that make all parents glad their kids are not that bad. No, Nanny McPhee has supernatural powers that allow her to achieve all of her goals with the children.
What she cannot interfere with is "affairs of the heart." Mr. Brown's marital problems become so critical that he is forced into seeking the rather uncomely hand of a repulsive lass named Selma Quickly who has outlived three husbands (she's played by Celia Imrie with amazing disgustfulness). Nanny leaves it up to the children to solve Mr. Brown's love life travails.
That's enough about the plot.
THE ACTORS
I've already mentioned Ms. Thompson. I have always enjoyed her work and I firmly believe that she should be considered for another Oscar for this film (in acting and screenwriting). She gives an outstanding performance that is understated and yet filled with both humor and strongly implied threat. She is not afraid to hide her natural beauty with a makeup job that challenges Charles Laughton's in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
Colin Firth played the troubled Mr. Brown. He seems to flourish in comedies as his credits include "Love Actually", the "Bridget Jones" films and "Shakespeare in Love." He is excellent here as the beleaguered widower who is desperate to find happiness for himself and his children.
Kelly McDonald ("Finding Neverland", "Gosford Park" and "Trainspotting") plays the "lowly scullery maid" moves with a quiet dignity through the movie yearning for a better life for both herself and the Brown family.
Thomas Sangster plays the oldest child, Simon, with a delightful naughtiness which eventually turns to a much-needed maturity. All of the childrens' roles are played believably. In fact, all of the supporting cast is tremendous.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE FILM
Well, it's quite obvious that I liked the acting and the screenplay. Director Jones paces the movie quite well and utilizes the services of cinematographer Henry Graham and music composer Patrick Doyle to perfection.
The special effects are sometimes quite simple but effective. The film has a beauty that reaches down into your "inner being". At least, that was the effect on me.
Jones, Thompson and company have, as I mentioned earlier, put together a movie which should appeal to people of all ages. While a majority of the comedy will be over the head of small children, it does have some hilarious footage which includes animal tomfoolery. I laughed throughout the film but not everyone in the theater did. While some of the humor is slapstick, the majority of the film is filled with a sophisticated, ironic humor.
Perhaps my biggest overall praise of the film is that it was a "message movie" that made me laugh, cry and, most importantly, think. The film mirrors the reality of our time (and other times) by showing that a lot of love, attention and proper discipline by parental figures can overcome the seemingly uncontrollable young people. This conflict between parents, grandparents and the "younger generation" has been around since before the days of Plato. But, Nanny McPhee's message, while appearing simplistic, is the that basic human kindness and mature parental authority can close the perceived "generation gap."
In this wickedly charming tale, Emma Thompson portrays a mysterious woman with special powers who enters the household of the recently widowed Mr. Bro...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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