Nanny McPhee Returns (2010)

Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson) returns in this sequel to the 2005 film. Nanny McPhee arrives to help the Green family with her special blend of magic and discipline. Mrs. Green (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is struggling to cope in her husband’s (Ewan McGregor) absence due to WWII. Not only is she left to work and save the family farm, she must also care for her three small children and their two cousins.

In theory, Nanny McPhee Returns should work. The love Emma Thompson has for this character is apparent. But unlike the original, Nanny McPhee lacks charm, spunk, and cohesion. The film had a great cast including Ralph Fiennes and Dame Maggie Smith—but this hodge-podge of scenes and poo jokes isn’t. The surrealistic atmosphere set at the height of the war effort is an odd element, but again, could have worked if the viewer wasn’t as detached as I felt.

As I see it, Nanny McPhee Returns could be entertaining for the 6-10 age group. Fans of the first best be prepared for the same great nanny is a less that great production.