This movie is not to be confused with its sequel Nanny McPhee Returns which will be reviewed at a later date. Emma Thompson does a remarkable job transforming herself into the not-so-pretty Nanny McPhee as Emma is a very attractive lady in her own right.
It seems that the recently widowed Mr. Brown, played by handsome Colin Firth, has seven children who are a handful for Mr. Brown and for the seventeen nannies who have left because the job was an impossible chore. The children take delight in bringing their nannies to the point of resigning.
Along comes Nanny McPhee, a no-nonsense lady who sets down her five important rules of behavior for young children. Remarkably, the Brown children start to shape up under the guidance of their latest nanny. Her unconventional look does not seem to scare them.
A new wrinkle is added to the picture when Aunt Adelaide comes to visit. Aunt Adelaide is played by Angela Lansbury who also is not afraid to come off as being ugly. A very long nose has been added to Angela’s wardrobe, letting us know that she is not the kindest person on earth. It comes to light that Aunt Adelaide has been supporting Mr. Brown and his family for many years and insists that he marry again before a month passes or she will withdraw her support. She feels that a new wife will reduce the dysfunction which has set in since the demise of Mr. Brown’s wife.
In the background quietly lurks a pretty scullery maid Evangeline, played by Kelly MacDonald. In reality, she is Aunt Adelaide’s adopted daughter. When the crisis arises of finding a wife for Mr. Brown, the children begin to notice Evangeline and hint to their father that they would be pleased to have Evangeline as their new mother.
Of course, you have already guessed the ending. But sadly, Nanny McPhee’s creed has always been “If you need me but do not want me, I will stay. If you want me but do not need me, I will go.” And so she does. This leaves us wanting to see Nanny McPhee again, and we will – when Nanny McPhee Returns.
