vincentlynch-moonoi
I almost didn't watch this movie because I had a sense it was going to be some sort of silly comedy about nannies. But, I like Scarlett Johansson and Laura Linney, so I thought I'd give it a try for maybe 15 minutes. I'm glad I did. The movie wasn't at all what I expected, and I enjoyed it.There are really 2 themes to this film. First, the story of a nanny (Scarlett Johansson) who is capable of greater things, but has a bit of a crisis of confidence. Second, the story of a dissolving marriage (Laura Linney and Paul Giamatti). And while the story centers around the young boy to whom Johansson is nanny, it is not really about the boy. It's an interesting way to tell the 2 main stories, and, even beyond that, the way the director tells the stories (particularly early in the film) is a bit off-beat (in a good way).Johansson is very good here (sans blonde hair). But even more brilliant is Laura Linney...great performance, and stunningly beautiful on occasion. Chris Evans, with whom I was not familiar, was quite good as a potential love interest (a part which could have been played up a bit). If you want a bad guy, Paul Giamatti was terribly unlikable as the wandering, emotionally sadistic husband; not a role many would like to take.So what's to criticize? Not much except that I don't think they handled the role of the young boy very well. OR, they intentionally downplayed the boy's role so as to focus on the stories of the 2 adult women. I felt totally neutral about the boy. Neither a monster nor adorable. I saw him as an always-there plot device. Maybe Paul Giamatti's character was too mean and nasty.However, very good film, and probably not what quite a few people were expecting.
studioAT
Scarlett Johansson doesn't pop up in this sort of light comedy/romantic comedy genre much, so this is a rare occasion to see her display just how funny she can be.This isn't the best film in the world, it doesn't try to be. What it is though is a decent enough comedy, with some nice laughs along the way.It's a surprise to see that Johansson is so good at comedy and is well supported by Laura Linney in her role.If you're looking for an easy going comedy then this one has a lot going for it.
Scorp1082
I happened to catch this on TV and, having enjoyed the books, decided to watch it.Overall, I found it enjoyable, but it did have a few rather, um, awkward moments I could have done without.I do think it's worth mentioning that it deviated significantly, in several places, from the book on which it is based. Some of the changes I rather enjoyed, others less so. In particular, I thought that the set-up for the story was a cute addition. However, I can't say I loved the massive change to the ending.The take home? As long as your expectations aren't too high, it's an entertaining way to spend a couple hours.
mauro volvox
Like chamomile tea, the Nanny Diaries is fragrant, has a delicate almost bland taste, is not bad at all, but after a while is totally forgotten. It is not going to harm you, but is not going to be a memorable experience either.For a movie that was supposed to be a comedy, this one is missing a few laughters. There are a few funny moments, but for the most part it is a light drama.This is a typical chick-flick for a cold rainy day. It is not a kid's movie, by the way...
AD
