Greetings again from the darkness. This is a very enjoyable story for all ages. Director Kirk Jones (the marvelous "Waking Ned Devine") presents the Emma Thompson adapted screenplay of the "Nurse Matilda" books in an almost live-action cartoon manner. The colors and visuals are delightful without being overwhelming. There are many light moments and nothing that will truly frighten even the youngest kids.
Colin Firth (best known for his romantic comedies) is a widower father of so many kids I couldn't keep track. The evil aunt (played in perfect Cruella Deville mode by Angela Lansbury) has threatened to cut off the allowance if Firth does not re-marry. Of course, the track record of his kids (17 nannies run off) does not bode well for Firth and the splitting of the family seems imminent. Enter Nanny McFee.
Emma Thompson is marvelous as Nanny McFee and brings her "charm" to the task of teaching the children 5 lessons, while claiming no responsibility for anything else they might learn along the way. The kids are all fabulous and the best scenes involve the new Nanny and the mischievous kids. This would not be a real fairy tale without a true love ... Evangeline is played by Kate Winslet look-alike Kelly MacDonald ("Gosford Park" "Finding Neverland"). It is also a bit of a shock to see Oscar nominated ("Vera Drake") actress Imelda Staunton as the stressed out, highly made-up, over-protective cook, Mrs. Blatherwicke.
No great mystery to the story, but it is told and filmed in a very accessible, enjoyable manner. Perfect movie for families although the youngest may struggle a bit with the dialogue.
Colin Firth (best known for his romantic comedies) is a widower father of so many kids I couldn't keep track. The evil aunt (played in perfect Cruella Deville mode by Angela Lansbury) has threatened to cut off the allowance if Firth does not re-marry. Of course, the track record of his kids (17 nannies run off) does not bode well for Firth and the splitting of the family seems imminent. Enter Nanny McFee.
Emma Thompson is marvelous as Nanny McFee and brings her "charm" to the task of teaching the children 5 lessons, while claiming no responsibility for anything else they might learn along the way. The kids are all fabulous and the best scenes involve the new Nanny and the mischievous kids. This would not be a real fairy tale without a true love ... Evangeline is played by Kate Winslet look-alike Kelly MacDonald ("Gosford Park" "Finding Neverland"). It is also a bit of a shock to see Oscar nominated ("Vera Drake") actress Imelda Staunton as the stressed out, highly made-up, over-protective cook, Mrs. Blatherwicke.
No great mystery to the story, but it is told and filmed in a very accessible, enjoyable manner. Perfect movie for families although the youngest may struggle a bit with the dialogue.