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NANNY McPHEE & THE BIG BANG

 

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Director: Susanna White
Cast: Emma Thompson, Ralph Fiennes, Maggie Smith, Rhys Ifans, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Daniel Mays, Asa Butterfield
RunTime: 1 hr 49 mins
Released By: UIP
Rating: PG

Official Website: http://www.nannymcphee.co.uk/

Opening Day: 10 June 2010

Synopsis:

In Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, Oscar-winning actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson returns to the role of the magical nanny who appears when she's needed the most and wanted the least in the next chapter of the hilarious and heartwarming fable that has enchanted children around the world.

In the latest installment, Nanny McPhee appears at the door of a harried young mother, Mrs. Isabel Green (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who is trying to run the family farm while her husband is away at war. But once she's arrived, Nanny McPhee discovers that Mrs. Green's children are fighting a war of their own against two spoiled city cousins who have just moved in and refuse to leave.

Relying on everything from a flying motorcycle and a statue that comes to life to a tree-climbing piglet and a baby elephant who turns up in the oddest places, Nanny McPhee uses her magic to teach her mischievous charges five new lessons.

Movie Review:


This is yet another film adaptation of Christianna Brand’s children books by Emma Thompson. The story revolves around the seemingly ugly nanny, who appears when the family is in dire need of someone to instil discipline in the children. This time, Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson) came just in time to help Mrs. Green (Maggie Gyllenhaal) with her three children and their stuck up cousins from the city.

The time period, during the World War II, is successfully established owing to the meticulous attention expended on the fashion, vehicles and even architecture. They are certainly very admirable. The story continues to unfold, showing the vast difference between the rich city children and their less fortunate counterparts who spent their lives at their family farm.

The story is simple, easy to follow and full of little surprises. From the comedic appearance of the local shopkeeper Mrs. Docherty (Maggie Smith), to the children’s Uncle Phil (Rhys Ifans), to his debt chasers and the crow, were all pleasurable and entertaining. Moreover, Nanny McPhee’s ability to discipline the children in her supernatural ways were nothing less than enchanting. The climax of the story, which features the two boys’ (Asa Butterfield, Eros Vlahos) search for the truth behind Mr. Green’s “death” at war, not only unveiled Uncle Phil’s evil plan, but is also the great scene that demonstrates the transformation in the children.

Having this story set at a farm at the country side, the farm animals are a definite plus point. They added more vibrancy to the story, and played crucial roles to heighten the happy atmosphere as well as to increase the entertainment value of the movie. Moreover, the pace of the movie is fast but comfortable, such that there will not be a moment that will bore you out.

Also, the movie has an impressive array of actors and actresses sporting brilliant British accent. Deserving the mentions are Maggie Gyllenhaal and Oscar Steer. The former displayed a flair for the accent and has great characterizing of a mother’s helplessness as she spares her children from the rod, while the latter is simply just so immensely cute and innocent, and captures you with his child-likeness.

Though the special effects are nothing extravagant, they are sufficient to value-add the movie and bring about more vividness. Also, the careful juxtaposition of cheery music and quirky happenings in the movie allows one to immense into the mood and again, increases the entertainment value.

However, the greatest drawback of this movie is that it is ultimately just a family movie that is written primarily for children. It has nothing profound that will intrigue an adult. It is probably just an escapade from the everyday stress, and allows one to feel good.

Movie Rating:



(Nothing very spectacular, yet a movie that will leave your little ones and you pretty entertained)

Review by Tho Shu Ling

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. Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince (2009)

. The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

. Harry Potter And The Order of the Phoenix (2007)

. The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising (2007)

. Bridge To Terabithia (2007)

. Harry Potter And The Globet of Fire (2005)

. The Chronicles of Narnia (2005)

 


 
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