The Nanny Diaries
DVD 
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Director:
Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini Actors: Scarlett Johansson Laura Linney Chris Evans Rating:
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WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
A recent college graduate (Johansson) searching for a job inadvertently lands a position as nanny to an Upper East Side family, coming to loathe the parents but adore the kid.
IS IT A GOOD MOVIE?
Movie that serves as both a birdbrain satire on class and a new-age Mary Poppins with less “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and more George Michael. Only ONE likable lead a MUST. Rest of cast occupied by cute/bratty kid, Harvard Hottie, money/work-centric father, and rich-bitch Upper East Side wives.
Adaptation of bestselling novel/memoir by former nannies Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus required, but MUST alter ending into neat little bow to spoon-feed audience (co-directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini of American Splendor will support this).
Nanny/Annie should be likable not just through character, but smart casting as well—Scarlett Johansson-type a plus (should come with real wretch-of-a-mother). Role of employer/Mrs. X to be Laura Linney at her worst and too “exhausted” from shopping to tuck child in. Said child, Grayer, must be forbidden from sugar, the NY transit system, and above all else, the Upper West Side, with upper class turf wars on the rise.
Some sort of moral lesson a MUST—something along lines of money may buy Dolce & Gabbana merch, but not love. Such refusal to offer anything original in movie will irk most, but genuine shout-out to boardwalk pizza will temporarily win over Jersey natives.
To inquire about the position, please contact The Weinstein Company, which has lost all touch with what Miramax used to represent.
THE EXTRAS
Life at the Top as Seen from the Bottom (16:44): Your standard ‘Making of…’ featuring cast and crew interviews. A bit long for its content.
Confessions from the Original Nannies (22:27): Here we have the authors of the book, Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, sit down to discuss the story, working habits, inspirations, and the like. Longer than necessary, but those who liked The Nanny Diaries will enjoy this.
Bloopers (4:04): “Presented by L’Oreal Paris” (whatever that means), this bloop-reel consists mostly of Scarlet Johansson and Laura Linney flubbing lines. Just short enough to enjoy.
Theatrical Trailer.
Confessions from the Original Nannies (22:27): Here we have the authors of the book, Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, sit down to discuss the story, working habits, inspirations, and the like. Longer than necessary, but those who liked The Nanny Diaries will enjoy this.
Bloopers (4:04): “Presented by L’Oreal Paris” (whatever that means), this bloop-reel consists mostly of Scarlet Johansson and Laura Linney flubbing lines. Just short enough to enjoy.
Theatrical Trailer.
FINAL DIAGNOSIS
The Nanny Diaries managed to be worse than I thought, and certainly won't make me go out and buy the book. Too many of the characters are either unlikable or undeveloped, making for quite a distant watch. Rent Mary Poppins instead, if you must.
