My Nanny's Secret (2009)

Powerful

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

On a snowy night off, blonde student Haylie Duff (as Claudia Wellsley) and her likewise attractive boyfriend Eric Johnson (as Drew) meet his roommate pal Jon McLaren (as Jace Matthew Stevenson) for dinner. The trio is interrupted by a phone call from Ms. Duff's brother Dillon Casey (as Carter). He's been arrested, for the third time. Stealing a car was only "borrowing," according to Mr. Casey. Duff bails him out and returns to her job as "nanny" for wealthy, but busy mom Jessica Steen (as Julia Tyrrell). Next, we learn Casey is involved with a nasty drug gang, and owes them money. Obviously, "My Nanny's Secret" of the title, Casey visits his sister Duff and begs for a $12.000 loan. He says, if he doesn't get the money, he will be killed. "I'm not taking your crap anymore," Duff says, refusing to give him any more money...A deadly robbery occurs, which could cost Duff her job...Writer Christine Conradt and Duff give us an appealing lead character. Unlike many "Lifetime" TV movie headliners, we trust "Claudia" and want to see her succeed. While a bit too fidgety and easy to read, Casey elicits hesitant empathy. Steady staging by director Douglas Jackson makes the pivotal moments work. We know, when Duffy moves in to open a door, what's possible; a second of suspense before the startle. It's simple, but it works. The main characters come together for a final confrontation in an interesting setting, but full advantage of the workplace is not taken (budget and TV suitability come into play). The identity of the burglar is the main mystery. Everyone in the cast and crew does well with the assignment, but the production is too ordinary and your interest may run out before the villain's identity is revealed.***** My Nanny's Secret (2009-08-29) Douglas Jackson ~ Haylie Duff, Dillon Casey, Eric Johnson, Jon McLaren

If you're like me, and love movies that make you jump for the screen or cause you to jump out of your slippers and yell "no! no commercial! what happened?!" this is your movie. I can't tell you how many times I talked to my television watching this movie. So loved it. I loved the scenery, beautiful winter, snow on the ground. (And i really liked Claudia's jacket, lol) Aiden, the little boy, is just so cute, the suspense is... I can't say great, but its enough to keep you watching and not be scared like crazy. definitely not a horror film by any means, i say its a thinker/mystery movie. All you old Scooby Doo fans that solved the mysteries before the episode ended, here's your challenge! (i admit, i failed, i guessed wrong... oops..) and yes, i did just make a reference to Scooby Doo. Who doesn't love Scooby? Anyway, like I said, great movie, family friendly, keeps you on your toes. Enjoy it!

Even though I partially guessed the ending, I found this to be an enjoyable thriller. It just goes to show you how little you can know about a friend that you live with.It also goes to show you that you can't always believe that the obvious appears to be true.The show was fast paced in its depiction of a nanny with a young troubled brother. Naturally, suspicion shall fall upon him when the house she works for is held up and the father of the woman of the house is shot to death.Too bad that a lovely girl like this nanny had such a miserable brother but she believes him when he professes innocence.The moral of this story is not to divulge things about others in front of people you really don't know. Police can't always jump to supposed definite conclusions as well. The story was certainly Perry Mason-like with the obvious bad-boy brother the suspect. Naturally, no one would believe him and we know that the dead man's daughter will turn against her for not furnishing the police the information they needed. This is also a story of basic instincts which proved to be correct.