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You'll have a hard time finding any movie reviews of director Kirk Jones' Nanny McPhee that doesn't compare the story to Mary Poppins. But that doesn't mean the film is a cheap imitation.

Mainstream critics are generally positive about McPhee, especially praising Emma Thompson, who plays the magical, scowling, strict lead character from the beloved Nurse Matilda books by Christianna Brand. This super-nanny seems, at first, to be ugly and forbidding. But as she teaches the children and their father (Colin Firth) a thing or two, they begin to warm up to her, and audiences will too.

But what does it all mean? Christian film critics are giving mixed reviews.

Peter T. Chattaway (Christianity Today Movies) says, "It perfectly captures the dark humor and ominous authority of [the] books on which the film was based. But somewhere along the way, the film loses sight of this theme, and it becomes a movie about something else entirely, with disappointing results."

More specifically, he continues, "by the time the food fight gets under way, you are reminded less of Mary Poppins and more of the recent slapstick-happy remakes of Cheaper by the Dozen and Yours, Mine and Ours. (Bad behavior isn't always bad, it seems; this film wants to throw its cake and eat it too.) And it all comes to a climax in an ending pinched from Disney's Cinderella. There are many different kinds of children's movies, and this one tries to be all of them at once."

Marcus Yoars (Plugged In) says, "Cleavage, a worm sandwich, an amorous misunderstanding, and touches of crude language and slapstick violence push the age of Nanny McPhee's target audience higher than that of Mary Poppins'. But on the whole it's a fun, well-crafted, tender-hearted tale about getting a grip on your family and seeing beauty inside of everyone. It preaches obedience, tough love, sacrifice and gratitude, while scolding parents who either spoil or ignore their children."

Lisa Rice (Crosswalk) criticizes the film for not following her idea of good screenplay rules, and for much more than that. "The children learn some good lessons—and others which are puzzling—but some of their mischief is not rebuked. Nanny McPhee also carries too much willing suspension of disbelief. … Because of the numerous story and character development issues, Nanny McPhee just isn't that satisfying. Not to mention the fact that there is always a certain 'cringe factor' when a movie extols witchcraft as the answer." And she concludes that Colin Firth's character is the film's biggest problem. "As viewers, we are dying for him to rise up and be a man worthy of following, but it never happens."

But Harry Forbes (Catholic News Service) is not at all offended. "The plot is wildly derivative … but no less enjoyable for that. And the sweet tale is touching, well acted by its solid British cast and the fairy-tale ambience is successfully sustained. Some very mild innuendo when Brown courts Quickly, and a couple of remarks about incest, which will go over most kids' heads, preclude recommendation for very young children. Otherwise, this candy-hued fable is delightful viewing and imparts admirable messages about the primacy of family and the inherent goodness of people."

And Jenn Wright (Hollywood Jesus) says, "Nanny McPhee is a fun, delightful movie."

If you want to pay nine dollars to see Martin Lawrence in a fat-lady outfit—again—well, I guess Big Momma's House 2 will appease you.

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February (Web-only) 2006, Vol. 50