'Along Came a Nanny' (2014)
Opening thoughts: Personally have no bias against the Hallmark murder/crime mysteries, as there are some decent ones out there (whether part of their numerous mystery series or not). Cameron Mathison is nearly always watchable and more, even in the films of his that are not good. Likewise with Sarah Lancaster. Hallmark's Movies and Mysteries block has always varied every year and expectations actually weren't high for 'Along Came a Nanny', which did sound really far fetched.
My low expectations were not only met with the execution 'Along Came a Nanny' but it managed to be worse than expected. Even Mathison can't save this. 2014 did see some good Hallmark films like 'A Ring By Spring', but also some real stinkers. Of which 'Along Came a Nanny' is one of them and one of the worst of them. There are also some good Hallmark Movies and Mysteries films, though more the films with more serious themes and family dilemmas than the crime mystery ones, but 'Along Came a Nanny' again is among the worst.
Goos things: By all means it is not completely disposable. The scenery is quite nice.
Lancaster also does her best, her role is sketchy but she does bring some charm and authority to it and looks comfortable at least.
Bad things: Unfortunately, so much works against 'Along Came a Nanny'. Pretty much wasted by some really chaotic and self-indulgent camera work and drab lighting. The usually very watchable Matthison looks ill at ease and his performance is lifeless as a character whose behaviour is truly inept and clueless throughout. He and Lancaster, which has been good in other films of theirs, is completely bland and found their initial scenes forced. The rest of the performances are a mix of ham overdose and mailing it in in silly stereotypical roles. The direction is unfocused and lacks energy.
Really disliked all the characters, ones with no personality, very vague at best motivations and who behave so outrageously. Especially the responsible. Furthermore, the script is both mundane and contrived, with everything feeling flat and unnatural. The cheese is also too much. The premise is very far fetched and beyond stupid to begin with and the story is wildly implausible and silly with no energy or tension. As well as dully paced and padded out, with some events jumping around. The ending is insultingly ridiculous and the music is intrusive.
Closing thoughts: Overall, very bad.
3/10.
