Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Ticket

By kevin Casteel

krcasteel@vwc.edu

 The Nanny Diaries is the current film that is following the chick literature genre. Many will presume that  The Nanny Diaries may be Hollywood fluff, but, looks can be deceiving.

 The Nanny Diaries follows your typical girl-power romantic comedy formula. You  ve got the wicked boss who has a few insecurities of her own. You ve got the glamorous love interest, along with the whole sentimental love story. You ve got the best friend who is always there for you, and even lies for you. Then, you ve got the poor girl slaving away for the wicked boss until she decides enough is enough. This all takes place within the heart of New York City.

The fabulous Scarlett Johansson stars as Annie Braddock, a college graduate who takes a job as a nanny for an Upper East Side couple, Mr. and Mrs. X (Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney). Her mission is to play Mary Poppins to their son, Grayer (Nicolas Art).

Mrs. X demands every task from Annie. From picking up Grayer from school, taking him to the park, teaching Grayer French and cooking gourmet meals. Mrs. X, also, demands that Annie runs execrating chores throughout New York City.

Annie falls head over heels for the Xes neighbor the Harvard Hottie (Chris Evans). The reason the Xes first nanny got fired was for having a boyfriend, so Annie has to lie to her boss in order to keep her job. Annie has to risk losing her job, losing her boyfriend, or losing her insanity.

This film was a truly pleasant surprise for a film that was put out in the dog days of the summer. Usually the last two weeks in August is when major studios attempt to release their worst movies into theaters. That is why when I first was going to go see this movie, I figured it was going to be just another  Uptown Girls . Do not be turned off, this movie was very sweet and well done. It guarantees a good time and will melt your heart.

Scarlett Johansson was a pleasant delight. She has blossomed as an actress in the last year, and just sparkles on screen. Johansson has so much charisma, and down to earth sensibility. She is pure innocence on the big screen. Chris Evans was also a delight to watch. Chris Evans has the down-luck good boy charm that allowed him to soar in his role as the coveted Harvard Hottie.

I have never been a huge fan of Laura Linney. However, in this movie, as the villain, she did a fair job. Paul Giamatti s turn as Mr. X was a bit dry, and I expected more out of this actor than I got. I thought that the scenes between Mr. and Mrs. X were a bit rushed, and no one could feel the inner-turmoil that was taking place between them

Overall, this movie had a great story, some memorable lines, quirky characters, and most importantly a heart. It was a simple story about one girl s struggle to make it,and find love in the big, bad city. It is a very inspiring story if you strive to be someone one day and follow your dreams.