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The Nanny Diaries [2007]
from Paramount Home Entertainment
starring Laura Linney, Chris Evans, Paul Giamatti, Scarlett Johansson, Alicia Keys
directed by Robert Pulcini, Shari Springer Berman

Features:

• PAL

Editorial Review:

Based on the best-selling book of the same name, the film version of The Nanny Diaries is a chick flick, but it lacks the witty tone of the novel, which took time to flesh out the characters. The tone is set early on when the narrator notes, "In Africa they have the saying: 'It takes a village to raise a child.' But for the tribe of the Upper Eastside of Manhattan, it takes just one person: the nanny." Recent college graduate Annie Braddock (a brunette Scarlett Johansson) becomes the nanny for Mr. and Mrs. X, a narcissistic and selfish couple who have no clue that what their precocious son Grayer really needs is a mum and a dad who will pay attention to him. At first, Annie can't believe her good fortune. Caring for Grayer a few hours each day in the X's luxurious apartment seems like a dream job. But as her job turns into a 24/7 nightmare, she loses her identity and becomes Nanny. Annie's attempts to befriend her oddly charismatic boss are met with rebuffs by Mrs. X (Laura Linney). When Annie mentions her home life, Mrs. X is stunned. "Nanny, you never mentioned you had a mother," she says, as if she expected that nannies were shot out of giant pods. Despite the film's flaws, Linney is a standout. Like Meryl Streep, who made an unlikeable character sympathetic in The Devils Wears Prada, Linney brings humour to her role. Unfortunately, Paul Giamatti (as the philandering Mr. X) and singer Alicia Keys (as Annie's best friend Lynette) are wasted in their thankless roles. While we are meant to feel sorry for Annie, we are left wondering why a beautiful and educated young woman would allow herself to be manipulated into working ridiculous hours for less than minimum-wage pay. When Annie finally does stand up to her employers, it's a little too late. For everyone. --Jae-Ha Kim

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 3.0 / 5.0

• a charming little film
  I wasn't sure what to expect with this film but I did really enjoy it. I could totally relate to the fresh out of college situation that Annie found herself in, unsure of how to live her future. I really enjoyed watching her settle in to the turbulent and rocky house and strike up a loving friendship with the little boy, whose image obsessed mother and work obsessed father have other more important activities to attend to instead of their son growing up. Scarlett Johansson is brilliant in some films (The... more info

• AWFUL!!!
  I am one for chick flicks and fun girly films but this was SO boring! It was awful. I made myself watch it till the end hoping it would get better but it didnt.

• OK movie, but not worthwhile
  Scarlett Johansen and Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney. With a combination like that I had to see "The Nanny Diaries", but as sweet as the movie is, I was expecting something else.
  Annie has just graduated college and her mother hopes she will find a job in the jungle of corporate America. Annie, however, is more interested in finding out who she really is and antropology.
  Apparently, when you walk through New York's central park you will be bombarded by job offers by society moms. And this is where... more info

• Surprisingly entertaining rom-com adaptation
  I rented this movie not expecting to enjoy it, due to the fact that the role of leading lady Annie was left to Scarlett Johanssen- an actress who I have usually taken to disliking from seeing her in other, less favourable roles. However, after reading and enjoying the book I wanted to give it a go and was left surprsingly pleased. "The Nanny Diaries" is a pleasant enough film, most likely to appeal to an audience who enjoyed films such as "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Sweet Home Alabama". It provides... more info

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