NANNY McPHEE RETURNS

CAROLINE: I don’t do family films so how did you like this movie? As I recall you loved the first one.

RYAN: I did and this one is just as great. There’s something special about these movies. They’re almost in the same vein as Babe.

CAROLINE: …which was nominated for best picture – a rarity for kids’ films.

RYAN: But every so often they’re super terrif. This movie is just so sweet. It’s romantic, silly, cute, clever and fun.

CAROLINE: Emma Thompson wrote both of them and plays the Nanny.

RYAN: Right. And I love her. But can I just say that the special effect makeup is too good? As the kids behave better, Nanny McPhee physically beautifies, but she’s so hard to look at when she first arrives. It’s shnasty.

CAROLINE: Yeah I don’t think I’d like to look at that.

RYAN: But I didn’t even know my favorite actor was in it.

CAROLINE: Ewan’s in it?

RYAN: Yes! He plays Maggie Gyllenhall’s husband! He doesn’t have a huge role but I was beyond thrilled when I saw him.

CAROLINE: Settle down. How was Maggie’s English accent?

RYAN: Over the top. But I’d say she does the best British accent this side of Gwyneth Paltrow in anything she speaks British.

CAROLINE: [laughs’ Who else is in it?

RYAN: Professor McGonagall and Voldemort!

CAROLINE: Maggie Smith and Ralph Fiennes.

RYAN: Needless to say they’re fantastic. Ralph plays an army leader which he does so well you know. And Rhys Ifans is in it too. He plays Luna Lovegood’s dad in Harry Potter 7!

CAROLINE: And Emma Thompson is an HP alumnus too so it’s a veritable Potterfest. I love Rhys. He was classic in Notting Hill.

RYAN: I don’t want to give away the plot but the performances, special effects, costumes, sets, music – it’s all so very well done and thoroughly enjoyable.

CAROLINE: I’m glad you enjoyed it.

— BOTTOM LINE —

RYAN: Sequels can be iffy but this one is as great if not better than the first. It’s great for all ages and I’ll go ahead and say I wouldn’t mind another one in a couple years.

— RATING —