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Created Mar 01, 2008 01:58PM PST • Edited Mar 01, 2008 01:58PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   OK 2.5

   The movie’s tagline – “a comedy about life at the top, as seen from the bottom”, could also be explained as “a playful life journey with decent drama and a few big laughs.” This average experience invites viewers on a journey to find themselves through rugged social terrain as classes and careers collide.

4. Acting

   Very Good 3.5

   The incredibly busy 22 year old actress Scarlett Johansson (“Lost in Translation”, “The Horse Whisperer”) plays Annie Braddock, a recent graduate searching for a job…and herself. Along the way, two males enter Annie’s life. One young man, named Grayer (Nicholas Art), is the son of a rich family who lives on the upper east side of New York. Their chance meeting initiates Annie’s life journey into fate and eventual fortitude. A stronger child actor would’ve strengthened the emotional bond with Annie. Audiences must settle for unnatural “puppy dog” looks and some weak reaction scenes.

   The other man, first known as “Harvard Hottie”, played by Chris Evans (“The Fantastic Four”, “Cellular”), initiates a mediocre romantic element. Eventually the hottie morphs into a unique man with a real name who (surprise, surprise) is more than he seems. Grayer’s parents provide the real meat of the story, but Paul Giamatti (“American Splendor”, “Sideways”) is woefully miscast as the father, Mr. X, a self-centered businessman. Laura Linney (“The Truman Show”, “Mystic River”) fares better as Grayer’s mother, Mrs. X.

5. Male Stars Very Good 3.5

6. Female Stars Very Good 3.5

7. Female Costars Very Good 3.5

8. Male Costars Very Good 3.5

10. Film

    Great 4.0

    Great music and cinematography, but even these strengths complimented by creative angle shots, graphic matches and point-of-view techniques can’t overcome some notable flaws. This movie suffers from casting miscues, predictable plot points and the unpleasant task of following the popular recent film “The Devil Wears Prada”, which explores a similar social class working relationship.

11. Direction Great 4.0

12. Play Great 4.0

13. Music Great 4.0

14. Visuals Great 4.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.7

    An unwanted advance and plenty of rudeness from Mr. X. It all relates to the movie’s simple theme – rich people can gain power/influence over less fortunate people (summarized by another nanny during a break at a “Mommy and Me”).

17. Sex Titillating 1.7

18. Violence Fierce 1.7

19. Rudeness Salty 1.7

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

    This movie explores both perspectives well, especially the negative elements. Nannies secretly undermine employers’ authority while the wealthy neglect their children’s glaring need for genuine parental love. Since Annie’s main motivator is money, she must discover her tolerance limits as she allows these powerful people to mistreat her. Both social groups must decide how much power and money can influence their lives before they might lose all self respect and well being.

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0