Oh those British nannies, they will forever be immortalized for their ability to control the most bratty products from the world of bad parenting. They have long been focal points of some of the great family stories to ever hit the silver screen. Cut from the same mold of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music comes Nanny McPhee, the tale of — you guessed it — a rotten bunch of children and the magical nanny who rescues them from an impending family catastrophe.
The children, a devious but adorable bunch, are led by young actor Thomas Sangster. You remember him, right? He was the young loverboy who stole the hearts of many in 2003's Love Actually. Their story is a simple one. Their father, played by the cheeky and blissfully oblivious Colin Firth, is given an ultimatum by a wicked Aunt (Angela Lansbury) that he must find a replacement wife for the children's deceased mother or she will cut off the allowance that keeps the family afloat and the children together. And from there you can probably guess the rest. While the father is off chasing the wrong options for a new bride, the children are working hard to scare off every nanny in the land. And just when things look like they are about to take a turn for the worse in swoops Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson) to teach the children a little thing or two.
And of course between there and the happily ever after are strong doses of great moral messages, magic, and a little bit of fun. Like every great family tale, the kids truly steal the show. From their devious beginnings to their sweet and lovable transformation into well-behaved little Brits, these kids are enough to keep your heart warm and smile from ear to ear for the entire 97 minute run time of the film. Add some magical special effects, a performance from Emma Thompson that would make Julie Andrews stand and applaud, and timely comic relief of Colin Firth and you have truly enjoyable slice of family fun.
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