The Nanny Diaries: Review By Brokaw

When Annie Braddock (Scarlett Johansson) graduates from college, she has the entire world at her fingertips. Or at least her mother thinks so. But Annie isn't so sure. She has second thoughts about joining the business world. She feels she needs to take a break and think about what she really wants to do with her life. Then, by sheer accident, she meets Mrs. X (Laura Linney) who offers her a job as the nanny for her young son Grayer (Nicholas Reese Art), a seemingly sweet child. After a little contemplation, Annie feels this would be the perfect thing for her. She would get out of her mother's house and have time to reflect on her own life. Well, that is what she thinks. Her only exposure to nannies has been in the world of movies, and she thinks she can be a Mary Poppins kind of figure.

When she begins the job, Annie realizes Grayer is not the sweet little kid she first met. He is a tyrant. But she doesn't quit. She sticks it out and forges a deep bond with the little guy. And while with the Xs, she sees the life this little boy has had. His mother is a hands-off mom who is busy shopping and attending parties and meetings. His father (Paul Giamatti) is almost non-existent in the boy's life. All little Grayer wants is to be loved. Soon, Annie is his only source of love and friendship.

While living with the Xs Annie meets a man she refers to as Harvard Hottie (Chris Evans) and is attracted to him, however she doesn't want to get involved with any rich man who has had the world handed to him on a silver platter. She is quickly realizing what it is to be rich in the city, which to her is aggravating, disconcerting, alarming, and very sad.

In her time as the Nanny, Annie sees a different way of life and a different family dynamic than what she has been exposed to. And in the end, she is more like Mary Poppins than she ever dreamed.

This film has some humorous scenes, however it is mostly a sad story as audiences see this adorable little boy living such a loveless life. It's based on the best-selling book of the same name. The cast is wonderful, but the story is not fun, funny, or happy. If you read the book, it's probably something you will enjoy seeing on screen, though. Just don't expect a comedy. The trailers show some of the funniest scenes. The rest is a compelling story about love and happiness.