Another kids movie filling up the lower end of the 100’s but it is another on that I enjoyed with all due sentiment. This is a sequel to the Nanny McPhee movie released in 2005 which sees the return of the nanny that when you need her but don’t want her she must stay but when you want her but don’t need her she must leave. Well she is back to help another family in 2010. Starring Emma Thompson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Rhys Ifans & Maggie Smith. The sequel was produced on a budget of $35m it went on to gross $93.2m at the box office which you would guess was a profitable movie, well that’s how I look at it. Shall we do a quick check on the Tri-Critic Sync Challenge as there is a spot on pair here with me and Rotten Tomatoes agreeing on a 76% but this movie is not liked by the IMDb mob as they gave it a much lower 6.1/10 which ruined the chance of getting that elusive spot on.
The plot for this one is based in 1945 in the midst of World War II and whilst her husband is away fighting Isabel Green is desperate to keep control of her life. Torn between keeping the family farm running as well as her job in the village shop run by the mad Mrs Docherty she also has three very boisterous children – Norman, Megsie and Vincent. Who are joined by two wealthy cousins Cyril and Celia. She now desperately need help with her child care (you can see where this is going) as Nanny McPhee arrives. She uses her magic to bring the children in line over time whilst Isabel’s brother in law who shares the ownership has gambled away his half and is now being chased by two female assassins. He is desperate for Isabel to sell the farm to be able to cover his debts. The kids discover his underhanded tactics to make her sell so decide to fix the problem. Meanwhile the family receive a telegram from the war office saying that her husband was killed in action, life is looking bleak, let alone the huge unexploded bomb that has landed in one of the farms field.
How can Nanny McPhee pull all of that around to make a happy ending, well it is a kids movie so you have to make an assumption things turn out in the end. There is a sentimental feeling throughout the movie, it has the comedy and fun including the battle of wills but there is a sweetness that comes through the entire movie but with a sadness of those enjoying the freedom that loved ones are fighting for halfway around the world for them. This movie subtly gives that feeling with the wait of fear every time a telegram is brought who it is for? Could it be the end of the world as you knew it or relief but sadness for someone else. Despite this undertone the comedy of the kids v’s nanny battle of wills continues and they go through those emotions as well, but they still find time to laugh and enjoy life. I will conclude by saying it just feels like the heart of this movie is in the right place.
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