Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney, Paul Giamatti, Nicholas Reese Art, Donna Murphy, Alicia Keys, Chris Evans. Based on Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus’ novel of the same, The Nanny Diaries is a lighthearted movie which reflects the parenting traits of the 21st Century, especially that of those in the upper class society. A Jersey girl right out of the University, Annie Braddock’s path to “success” in the finance world is suddenly interrupted by a change in fate, and lands herself a job as a Nanny on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Her employer Mrs. X appears to be the perfect employer initially – a well-groomed educated woman with much grace and elegance. However, she turns out to be the employer from hell – a pampered wife who would rather go for her manicure than spend time with her son, and lives in denial of her husband’s infidelity. Grayer X is a 5-year old boy born with a silver spoon in his mouth; he probably has everything every kid dreams of, but he longs for love and attention from his parents. He is like a “branded accessory” of Mr. and Mrs. X. Amidst the fights between Mr. and Mrs. X, Annie and little Grayer form a bond so strong that neither of them could bear to part with each other; the latter is devastated when Anne eventually departs. Annie is like the modern-day Cinderella: running errands all day and living under an unreasonable stepmother until a hunky neighbour appears and falls in love with her. Overall, the movie is a little bland to my liking; there are no major dramatic events and the storyline is rather predictable. It has its fair share of funny moments, but they are not hilarious. However, what I like most about the movie is the fine balance between the humour and the more heart-warming elements. There are a few touching and heartwarming scenes in particular those with Annie and Grayer in them. Somehow, your heart just goes out to little Grayer – the little devil with the smile of an angel. Scarlett Johansson does a fairly good job in her portrayal of Annie, and I especially love her frustrated expression, however I feel that she could have been more vivacious. Alicia Keys also does a good job in her role as Annie’s I-know-it-all best friend; she is the cool-headed friend which seems to have all answers. And just to note, the two friends seem to live in completely different worlds and seriously have almost nothing in common, but then again, don’t we all have friends like that? The most eye catching performance would have to come from Laura Linney, who is Mrs. X, the wife of a rich but unfaithful man living in denial of her husband’s infidelity. She brought the role of Mrs. X to life; at certain points in the movie, I just feel like rolling my eyes at her and ripping off her oh-I-am-so-perfect mask. It is a movie worth watching, especially if you like lighthearted and warming movies, and kids. But if you are someone looking for a movie with a strong plot, or dramatic turn of events, then maybe you should pass this one.
