The story of the Nutcracker is beloved by generations becoming a staple of the holiday season. Disney’s Nutcracker and the Four Realms, however, is definitely not your grandmother’s rendition.
When Clara’s (Mackenzie Foy) Christmas present leads her to a coveted key to unlock her gift from her deceased mother, she also finds herself in a mysterious and magical world full of bright and colorful characters. She soon discovers the four realms and becomes determined to restore order to the realms.
Okay Okay. Before you start thinking that I am going to declare this festive film a disaster based on my headline, I want to clear the air. The credits are the best part of the film because they feature acclaimed Misty Copeland in a gorgeous ballet number. The Nutcracker is best known as a ballet, and it is nice to see Disney including these dance sequences. They are without a doubt the most captivating and makes me wish Disney just filmed a traditional ballet version.
Instead, we are left with a fantasy that took notes straight out the weird and disappointing Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass films. The production, costumes, and sets are nothing short of spectacular, however, they don’t distract you enough from a weak plot.
The film lacks genuine emotion and amazement. I wanted to be in awe, but I couldn’t. Maybe it was the terrifying clowns that make Pennywise look like child’s play or the continuous thread of missed jokes. Nutcracker and the Four Realms would have been less disappointing if designed for a Netflix or even Freeform.
But in the spirit of the holidays, I will add that there are some satisfying bits like Helen Mirren’s Mother Ginger using a whip like Indiana Jones and Keira Knightly living her best life as the top ridiculous Sugar Plum Fairy (and yes, her voice is as annoying as it appears in the trailers).
Final Thoughts: Nutcracker and the Four Realms is not an utter disaster thanks to strong visuals and beautiful ballet sequences by Misty Copeland however, this will fade in your memory as a very forgettable and weak holiday film
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