Nanny McPhee is a comedy, fantasy, family film directed by Christianna Brand. The plot sees the titular nanny (Emma Thompson), arrive to save a family on the brink of destruction. The father (Colin Firth), is about to lose everything his house, his pride, his kids that is of course if Nanny McPhee’s magic can’t just save the day.
I have to say upon rewatching these film recently something because very clear to me, with regard to this series, and that is when it comes to Nanny McPhee films less is more. The second film, The Big Bang, which I have recently reviewed benefits from being much more streamlined plot wise everything serves a purpose. In this film however, it seems to be a free for all of plot threads, with a romance plot there, an inheritance plot there and Nanny McPhee and her magic being crammed somewhere in there as well: it makes for a confused viewing experience.
Moreover, Colin Firth is not very good here. He is playing the dad who fails to control his kids and who is too proud to go after what or more adeptly who he wants to be with type of character; one that is no way original to this film. Maggie Gyllenhaal played a similar character, albeit without the unacted upon romance in the sequel, and I have to say she played it much better. You bought that she was struggling and desperate for help, Firth on the other hand doesn’t seem all that bothered, with the exception of when he chases after the carriage.
Overall, this might be one of the few cases where the sequel is better than the original.
Pros.
Thompson
It is watchable
Cons.
It is confused
The plots don’t come together well
Firth isn’t very good
It is less fun than the sequel
2/5
Reviewed by Luke
Another Millennial Reviewer 