Opened: October 28, 2005

Directed by: Kirk Jones

Starring: Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Kelly Macdonald, Angela Lansbury, Eliza Bennett, Raphaël Coleman, Jennifer Rae Daykin, Samuel Honywood, Holly Gibbs, Hebe Barnes, Zinnia Barnes, Celia Imrie, Imelda Staunton, Elizabeth Berrington, Derek Jacobi, Patrick Barlow, Adam Godley, Claire Downs & Phyllida Law

Although it bears a resemblance to Mary Poppins, Nanny McPhee sets itself apart with vivid colors, great performances and a heartfelt (if predictable) story.

Having gone through many nannies since the death of his wife, Cedric Brown (Colin Firth) doesn’t know what to do with his seven unruly children. When Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson) arrives, she promises she’ll stay until she’s no longer needed.

This is a film that the whole family can enjoy as the child antics will amuse younger viewers while the well-developed adult characters have an interesting story of their own. A prosthetics-clad Thompson is brilliant while Firth and Angela Lansbury – in her first live-action film role in over 20 years – also have shining moments.

Great lessons are taught, especially with beauty being in the eye of the beholder.

Final say: A nanny for a new generation. ★★★★★