Nanny McPheeAre you thinking about seeing Nanny McPhee Returns, which opens today? Starring Emma Thompson (who's the main character and also wrote the screenplay), Maggie Gyllenhall, Maggie Smith, and Ewan McGregor, it's the story of a magical nanny who helps a young mother run her farm. Kind of like Mary Poppins, only she's really ugly, and, you know, on a farm.

Think it's worth that $10+ ticket (each) for you and all your brood? Worried that the movie panders way too much to kiddies and you'll go nuts? Here's what some of the critics had to say.

Stephanie Merry, The Washington Post:

"It may not have the grown-up appeal of a Pixar creation, but there's plenty in Nanny McPhee Returns to keep everyone entertained for the surprisingly fleeting 108 minutes."

Claudia Puig, USA Today:

"This sequel ... is almost as charming as the first. There are problems, though, in its tone, segueing awkwardly from escapism to gritty reality. Some of that is mitigated by the endearing performances and the way the story imbues its young characters with intelligence, motivation, and depth, qualities often lacking for children in family films."

Brittny Drye, The Stir:

"While kids will giggle at synchronized swimming pigs, parents will appreciate the storyline. Not because of sexual innuendos displaced throughout (thanks, Shrek), but because they can relate to what the harried mother is going through."

Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times:

"Grown-ups in the audience will enjoy seeing well-chosen vets like Maggie Smith and Ralph Fiennes turn up in key roles, not to mention piglets performing some CGI synchronized swimming a la Busby Berkeley."

The general consensus from the reviewers, with some naysayers: If you liked the first one, you'll probably like this one equally if not more so, grownups and children alike. Your kids will be entertained and you won't want to gauge your eyes out. Oh, and as a parent, you'll also appreciate the morals taught and lessons learned and blah blah blah.

I'll probably skip this one as I'm not a mom, and I'll most likely watch it on ABC Family instead (which is what I did with the first one). But if you're a mom looking for a fun Friday night, it's time to gather the kiddies and get to the theater!

 

Image via Big Honcho Media