If you can leave your cynicism in the foyer, perhaps exchange it for
one of those buckets of popcorn and a gallon of coke, then this is a
pretty enjoyable film.

It may essentially be a kid's film, but since it's basically a fairy
story - a genre that, on good form, can't fail to stir a receptive
heart - it has much to recommend itself to adults. In fact, I much
prefer a film such as this, which is honest in its intentions,
rather than many so-called grown-up Hollywood films which take adult
themes, strip them of any vestige of complexity, and reduce them to
stories which patronise and irritate.

Nanny McPhee not only has a good script by Emma Thompson, but is
also lucky to have the lady herself in the lead role. She manages to
be completely convincing, with a nicely understated performance
where just a look, or an occasional muted grunt are worth a page of
dialogue. There are some good supporting roles as well: Colin Firth,
Kelly Macdonald, Celia Imrie, Derek Jacobi, and all the children.
However, it's Imelda Staunton who steals the best supporting role
award with her slightly crazed over the top cook.

Good clean, warm-hearted, honest fun.