A welcome return for 'Nanny McPhee'

'Nanny McPhee Returns' is old-school without seeming old-fashioned, a familiar tale of lessons learned (it is a sequel, after all) made unapologetically for children and all the better for it.

'Nanny McPhee Returns,' 3.5 stars

'Nanny McPhee Returns' -- Emma Thompson returns, as well, as both title character and screenwriter. This time the hideous-looking nanny must teach lessons to children in wartime England while their father is away fighting. Old-school without seeming old-fashioned. Maggie Gyllenhaal co-stars. (PG - 109 minutes.)