Common Sense Media Review
Charming adaptation of kids' books; some potty humor.
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Nanny McPhee
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Based on 31 kid reviews
Kids say this movie offers a mix of humor, charm, and lessons about respect and behavior, making it a great watch for children, but it can be a bit scary for those under 9 years old. Many recall it fondly from their childhood as a fun and imaginative film, despite some concerns about potty humor and a few unsettling scenes.
- imaginative elements
- respect messages
- suitable for kids
- caution for younger viewers
- nostalgic favorite
- humorous moments
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Widowed father Mr. Brown (Colin Firth) is at his wits' end as NANNY MCPHEE begins, as his seven kids have just run off their 17th nanny. Just in time, warty, snaggle-toothed, bulbous-nosed Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson) arrives on a dark night and promises to set the household aright. She expects the children, especially chief schemer Simon (Thomas Sangster), to live up to her expectations: They can be kids -- rambunctious, energetic, and silly -- but they must also respect others, including adults. Or, at least, those adults who don't appear foolish outright, like garish local widow Selma Quickly (Celia Imrie). When Mr. Brown's Great Aunt Adelaide (Angela Lansbury) insists that he marry by the end of the month or lose her monthly checks, the children plot to chase off the widow, not thinking through the long-term effects. Nanny McPhee lets them and their father learn lessons the hard way, allowing Mr. Brown to figure out how he feels about his pretty housemaid, Evangeline (Kelly Macdonald), on his own.
Is It Any Good?
Thompson has devised a wonderful script based on Christianna Brand's Nurse Matilda books, wherein kids and nanny face off without condescending to one another. If some of the movie's effects are distractingly shoddy (see: the unconvincing dancing donkey), the kids (especially Sangster) are first-rate, and Thompson rather divine.
Nanny McPhee tells Mr. Brown that she can manage the kids while maintaining her independence and dignity: "When you need me, but do not want me, I will stay," she says, "When you want me but do not need me, I will go." Nanny's lessons -- instilled through judicious use of a magic cane and wry common sense -- include respect, loyalty, and generosity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this movie was based on a book series. What would be the challenges in turning a book series into a movie?
How does Nanny McPhee's specific sort of magic allow her subjects to figure out their own problems?
There are seven kids in this movie. How are they made to stand out from one another?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 27, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : May 9, 2006
- Cast : Colin Firth , Emma Thompson , Thomas Sangster
- Director : Kirk Jones
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild thematic elements, some rude humor and brief language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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