Having not seen the previous Nanny McPhee movie, what I got was a pleasant surprise watching this funny and touching sequel starring and written by Emma Thompson. As the title character, I wasn't completely sure of what to think of her but she, like everyone else in the cast, eventually grew on me as the movie went on. And she's accompanied in the film by many compelling actors like Rhys Ifans, Maggie Smith, Ralph Fiennes, and Maggie Gyllenhaal who sounds fine sporting an English accent. There's also an appearance by Ewan McGregor in a role I don't want to reveal. Also fine were the children playing Ms. Gyllenhaal's offspring and the cousins who convincingly transition from spoiled rotten to more socially appealing during the picture. And the special effects involving the animals also rate highly with me. So on that note, Nanny McPhee Returns comes much recommended from me.

I really liked the first Nanny McPhee, so I was looking forward to Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang. And I enjoyed it greatly, comparing it to the first, they're about the same score-wise but I prefer the first just slightly. The plot isn't as fresh or quite as imaginative this time round I feel and the film could have been shorter, however the film never fails to be lively, colourful and entertaining which was everything I liked about the first movie.

The sets are colourful and gorgeous and captured very well by the luscious cinematography, while the music have a certain energy and liveliness to it. The film goes at a cracking pace as well, maybe they could have slowed it down a tad in one or two scenes, but that is minor really, the script is witty and funny, the message doesn't overly-patronise and the direction is sprightly.

The performers do wonderfully. The kids are entertaining and don't fall into the trap of being overly-precocious or annoying. Maggie Smith is a delight to watch, Ralph Fiennes is a welcome presence, Rhys Ifans is entertaining and Maggie Gyllahaal is wonderful with a controlled accent and mannerisms. Emma Thompson is the real delight, she does bring a lot of charm, fun and vigour into her title character.

All in all, a very enjoyable sequel that does justice to its predecessor. 7.5/10 Bethany Cox

It's WWII Britain, and 2 spoiled rich kids (Rosie Taylor-Ritson, Eros Vlahos) are sent to their relatives in the countryside. Isabel Green (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is haggard running a farm and a store while her husband is away for the war. Her 3 children (Oscar Steer, Asa Butterfield, Lil Woods) clash with their rich bratty cousins. Meanwhile, brother Phil (Rhys Ifans) is trying to steal the farm to repay a gambling debt. In desperation, she calls in help from Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson). The formula is already known. Nanny McPhee teaches everybody lessons. Once the lessons are learned, Nanny McPhee leaves. "When you need me but do not want me, then I must stay. When you want me but no longer need me, then I have to go."

Maggie Gyllenhaal's accent and the cartoonish countryside are somewhat off-putting. All the poo and all the syrup makes it all seem very sticky and uncomfortable. It is nice to see the combative kids turn likable friends. However, I didn't like brother Phil's story. He's a bad unnecessary distraction from the main lessons to be learned, and doesn't work as comic relief. I think the missing father is the biggest story for those kids once they start getting along. There is no need for the brother and his scheming. Then they drop a giant bomb on the whole thing. I don't really get it. It doesn't fit a kid's movie.