ThiefHott Too much of everything

CrawlerChunky In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Ogosmith Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

Rio Hayward All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Prismark10 Emma Thompson's snaggletoothed and wart infused nanny returns to help out Maggie Gyllenhaal (Isabel Green) a farmer's wife at her wits ends in World War II. Her three children are OK helping her mother out in the farm while dad has gone off to fight in the war. It is when their two snooty cousins arrive from the town to stay with them that things go awry as they make fun of the country life. Also Isabel's gambling brother in law (Rhys Ifans) has amassed debts and wants Isabel to sell the farm which he owns a fifty percent share.Emma Thompson's Nanny arrives unwanted at first but her tapping of her magical cane soon starts to put things right as the kids learn some important life lessons but you feel the underlying issues are not dealt with such as the lying, cheating brother in law who is being threatened by two burly female debt collectors.There are some magical elements in this film such as flying pigs that also perform a water ballet that adds fun to the movie.It is a whimsical tale that kids will like, adults will find it rather contrived and light on plot. There are guest appearances by Ralph Fiennes and Ewan McGregor.

Twodude Review As I have said before when I review a family movie I look at it in a few different ways; first is it appropriate for my three kids, second is it entertaining to me and my kids, and thirdly is there a decent storyline. In the second installment of Nanny McPhee I believe it hit on all three of my requirements. With the feel of a modern day Mary Poppins, without the music, this movie turned into an instant favorite of my kids, 2 girls and a boy. As with the first Nanny McPhee the messages written into the movie were not lost on my kids so they could again understand the transitions of the characters. Emma Thompson renewed her role as Nanny McPhee with a classic acting approach and that is what this movie needs to stay on point.The cast of the movie has one of my favorite actresses in Maggie Smith; she delivers a part that you would expect from her in a family movie. The five children consisting of Oscar Steer, Asa Butterfield, Lil Woods, Eros Vlahos, and Rosie Taylor-Ritson share a great chemistry. It's evident right from the beginning that this is truly a bunch that needs Nanny McPhee. The pretty and natural looking Maggie Gyllenhaal plays a solid part that is miles away from the character she portrayed in Secretary. As the mother/aunt of this bunch she is not the star of the movie however she compliments the children well. If you are looking for a lot of special effects and CGI this isn't your movie. I would say this movie is closer in style to the Disney based movies of the 60's and 70's; and I am fine with that. The movie is fun and enjoyable and a great choice for any family movie night. Grade: B+visit our site at www.twodudereview.com

IDBmmcjwo Our family loved the charming first movie but this movie is just awful. The negative reviews already written recap the problems very well: Poor directing, plodding story, predictable outcomes, etc. Ghastly. Three additional criticisms not yet mentioned.(1) Very confusing clothing and haircuts. Who would cast farm kids during WWII to wear polo shirts? That and Vince's mop haircut gave the feeling in the opening scene that this was a modern film with elements from American suburbs.(2) On which planet does a fun children's film feature villains who extort characters with deadly threats of removing both kidneys...and worse? I'm not taking this film seriously but that's just too macabre. (3) During the introduction to special features, Emma Thompson says that this is "An entirely new film." That is just so not true. Indeed, an early scene sets you up to expect to see a duplicate scene copied from the first movie. You get fooled but then a few seconds later you see the scene you expected anyway. The only thing original to this movie compared to the first is that pigs fly. There are positive elements to this movie--beautiful country scenes, nice camera work, good acting by lesser characters--but not enough to warrant spending precious time to watch it.

MLDinTN make for an entertaining children's tale. Nanny McPhee is back with basically the same story as before. She's out to help a mom control her 3 kids and their 2 cousins. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays the mom Isabel and pulled off the British accent and plays the overwhelmed mom role quite well. Nanny McPhee enters the picture and out to teach the children 5 lessons to make them better children and more respectful. I thought the tree climbing pig and synchronized swimming pigs were very cute. I wish more silly animals like that had been in the movie. There is a cute elephant that makes some appearances. There is an evil brother in law that wants Isabel to sell the farm while her husband is away and he does some dirty tricks. But you know Nanny McPhee won't let him get away with it. And once again, it's sad when it's time for Nanny McPhee to leave the family and go on to a new one.FINAL VERDICT: Perfect for kids. And entertaining enough for adults.