The Nanny Diaries DVD Movie Review (2007)

Sorry, but who encouraged her to write?

Scarlett Johansson is Annie, a recent college grad who longs to leave behind her tepid life in New Jersey with her mother (Donna Murphy) for the bright lights and excitement of Manhattan.

Her mother sees Annie's career flourishing in the business world, but Annie, who prefers anthropology to accounting, isn't so sure about that or anything in her life, least of all herself.

So, when fate intervenes when a polished, Upper East Side mother named Mrs. X (Laura Linney) offers to hire Annie to be her child’s nanny, Annie decides to take her up on her offer.

Trouble is, Mrs. X turns out to be such a bitter control freak, she makes Annie's life a living hell. For romantic relief, the movie coughs up the Harvard Hottie (Chris Evans), who takes to Annie regardless of how rude she is to him.

For hard-core street advice about life, Alicia Keys shows up in a surprise role as Annie's best friend. She turns out to be the most authentic part of a movie that should have been made for television, preferably with actors whose talents were better suited for the material.

Here's a dream list--Kelly Rippa as Annie, Kathie Lee Gifford as Mrs. X, Kevin James as her husband and Verne Troyer (yes, Mini Me) as their little boy. Just imagine the Emmys.

Rated PG-13. Grade: D+

Read the full review here.