The Nanny Diaries

This adaptation of the novel by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus stars Scarlett Johansson as working-class New Jersey girl Annie Braddock, who graduates from New York University and reluctantly accepts a job as nanny to a wealthy Upper East Side family. Forced to cater to the every whim of domineering “Mrs. X” (Laura Linney) and her precocious son (Nicholas Art), Annie quickly learns how to survive in her new elite surroundings and even falls for a “Harvard Hottie” (Chris Evans) whose privileged upbringing differs considerably from her own modest life experience. The writing-directing team of Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini tries to get a firm grasp on the material, but The Nanny Diaries just doesn't resonate. Part of the problem might be the casting of Johansson, who is far too glamorous (even dressed down) to be wholly convincing as a girl from the Jersey ‘burbs. Another drawback is the uneven tone, as the social satire early on gives way to conventional romantic comedy before ending up as domestic drama. Optional. (E. Hulse)