Lee Eisenberg On the one hand, "The Nanny Diaries" shows how the working-class nanny (Scarlett Johansson) goes through a change in life. But more important is that she sees what a screwed up life her employers have. Even though the movie is targeted at a younger audience, it's clear that these rich New Yorkers have a terrible marriage and barely any relationship with their son (just like the main character in "Bonfire of the Vanities"). This is the polar opposite of the sorts of movies that Woody Allen made in the 1990s, in which he fetishized the lives of these messed up people ("Everyone Says I Love You" was by far his worst movie ever).So, while this movie isn't any sort of masterpiece, it's still fun.

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...

j-lacerra This somewhat lightweight comedy about a college grad roped into being a nanny by chance features Scarlett Johansson in the title role. Scarlett is not really known for comedic acting, and that does show. However, this actress is capable of captivating her audience even when running on less than all cylinders. Laura Linney again teams up with Paul Giamatti (as in John Adams), this time as the dysfunctional parents of a five year old boy. Both are excellent in their less than lovable roles. Alicia Keyes is good as Scarlett's well grounded pal.The story has been seen before and in many, many versions. So, the makers did a few things here to separate it from the pack. We have an entertaining narration in the form of an application to anthropological graduate school, framed exhibits of cultures that include Upper East Side snobs, flying scenes a la Mary Poppins, and characters talking inter-shot.Despite what some reviewers here seem to think, the naming of the characters as Mr. and Mrs. X is merely a device of the application-style of the narration and is not to be taken literally, any more than the love interest is truly named Harvard Hottie.All in all, the movie provides some good escapist entertainment, touching and amusing, but without belly laughs. Get a grip, folks, its a light comedy after all, and one worth viewing.

donwc1996 I'm a big fan of Laura Linney and think she's one of the most interesting actresses around, but this film is a disaster and so is she. Very depressing. But the movie lost me with Linney's very first scene in which she introduces herself as "Mrs. X." Mrs. X? Why in heaven's name would any character in a film be called Mrs. X? I thought it was a joke and laughed. But then I realized that was her character's name and that would be her name throughout the film. I just couldn't believe it. I could not imagine why the producers would allow such a thing. It knocked the very bottom out of the film for me. But I kept watching so see if it had any saving grace and discovered it did not - at all. The script stunk - no two ways about it. It's too bad because the book was big and had lots of fans but this movie did not live up to the book and should have been made by someone else. The pair behind it simply did not know how to deal with the material they had.