Nanny McPhee Returns: Warts and All
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This follow-up to the fantasy/comedy film Nanny McPhee (2006) is scheduled for release from Universal Pictures on August 20, 2010. The versatile Emma Thompson not only reprises the title role, but has also penned the screenplays for both motion pictures, which were inspired by Christianna Brand's charming "Nurse Matilda" tales from the 1960s and '70s. While the first movie was set in 19th-century England, Nanny McPhee Returns (PG), directed by Susanna White, takes place on a farm in the British countryside during World War II.
Mrs. Green (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a likable young mother, finds herself at wit's end when her husband (Ewan McGregor) is called away to war and she must run the family farm; hold onto her position at the village shop owned by the slightly addled Mrs. Docherty (Maggie Smith); and oversee the antics of her three high-spirited children, Norman (Asa Butterfield), Megsie (Lil Woods), and Vincent (Oscar Steer). The situation worsens when the kids' two spoiled city cousins, Cyril (Eros Vlahos) and Celia (Rosie Taylor-Ritson), arrive on the scene and the children engage in an all-out war of their own. This looks like a job for Nanny McPhee, who shows up in her trademark rusty black outfit, potato-shaped nose, hideous warts, and eye-riveting snaggletooth. Always unflappable, the woman uses her magical stick and unorthodox methods to teach the mischievous children five important lessons. Meanwhile, Mrs. Green's irresponsible brother-in-law (Rhys Ifans) has gambled away the family farm and is being harried by two relentless hit women. Things come to crisis when a devastating missive has everyone believing that Mr. Green has been killed in action. Will Nanny McPhee be able to settle down the children, show them what it means to be a true family, and orchestrate a happy ending?
Like its predecessor, the movie, which opened earlier this year at the number one spot in the UK as Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, looks to be an entertaining choice for family viewing. Kids can visit the official website for an alluring, action-packed trailer. A video "Featurette" offers movie clips along with commentary from Thompson and other cast members. A "Features" section includes a mud-slinging online video game (with the naughty cousins as targets), the opportunity to "uglify" an uploaded photo with signature Nanny McPhee facial features, and more.
Book Tie-ins
Bloomsbury Children's Books has just published Nanny McPhee Returns (July 2010), a media tie-in volume available in both hardcover and paperback adorned with an endearing movie poster cover: the protagonist-her expression characteristically unperturbed-sitting astride a green motorcycle with her five young charges joyfully crammed into its sidecar. A full moon and flying pigs in the background add the appropriate touches of magic. Penned by Thompson, the lively text serves a dual purpose: "The Story" is interspersed with behind-the-scenes diary entries written during the filming process. The two sections are clearly marked, so those who want to read the tale uninterrupted will find it easy to do so (and discover an enchanting, old-fashioned yarn) while those interested in finding out more about the movie's making can stop to mull over challenges that include the uncooperative English weather, the ups and downs of working with children and animals, and the rigors of donning the Nanny McPhee costume (e.g., used noses are kept in a bowl in the fridge and look "like the ingredients for some sort of repellent fondue"). Filled with humor, examples of the crew's dedication and hard work, and up-close details, the diary provides an entertaining glimpse at the production process as well as at Thompson's winning personality. Humorous black-and-white illustrations by Scoular Anderson appear throughout, and eight pages of full-color movie stills are included. The volume is also available in audio book format from Macmillan Audio, read by Thompson.
The movies were inspired by Christianna Brand's novels, lightheartedly illustrated by Edward Ardizzone. In support of the first movie, Bloomsbury published Nurse Matilda: The Collected Tales (2005), which includes Nurse Matilda, Nurse Matilda Goes to Town, and Nurse Matilda Goes to Hospital, three delightful stories starring the immutable nanny and her ever-mischievous charges. Ardizzone's simple line drawings add to the fun, as "this small, stout figure dressed in rusty black" employs her unusual methods to convey her important lessons and win the affection of all (though, as in the movies, she stands by her edict: "When my children don't want me, but do need me: then I must stay. When they no longer need me, but they do want me: then I have to go"). Humor and warm affection abound, and young film fans-as well as families looking for a good read-aloud-will enjoy harking back to these offerings. Choose the book in sturdy hardcover, with a nostalgic-looking cover (Ardizzone's artwork framed with a patterned backdrop), or purchase the media tie-in edition featuring a Nanny McPhee movie poster cover along with the original interior artwork (and an eight-page section of film photos). Kids can visit the official Nanny McPhee website for bios of the author and illustrator (they were first cousins and heard these family stories from their grandmother), info about the books, and more.
Pub Info
THOMPSON, Emma. Nanny McPhee Returns. Bloomsbury Children's Books. July 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-473-3; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-472-6.
_____. Nanny McPhee Returns. Unabridged CD. Macmillan Audio. July 2010. Tr $16.99. 978-1-4272-1116-3.
BRAND, Christianna. Nurse Matilda: The Collected Tales. illus. by Edward Ardizzone. Bloomsbury Children's Books. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58234-670-0.
_____. Nanny McPhee: The Collected Tales of Nurse Matilda. illus. by Edward Ardizzone. Media tie-in ed. Bloomsbury Children's Books. 2005. pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-58234-671-7.
