Disney is getting everyone in the mood for the holiday season with their latest live action take on a classic story. The two-act Christmas ballet is well known for its main tune and its ability to entertain broad audiences. The movie takes the simple story and dives deeper into the lore of the Mouse King, along with the four realms of the fantasy world. The main character remains the same, although her backstory is far more complicated.
Clara Stahlbaum and her family are dealing with the grief of experiencing their first Christmas without their mother, who has passed on. They’re all trying to get through the usually cheerful holiday without letting the void consume their mood. Still, the despair is taking over. Clara’s mother left her a beautiful one-of-a-kind metallic egg that’s locked with no key. Clara, the middle child, feels it’s just another instance of being forgotten by her late mother. Her father takes them to a formal holiday party full of proper and prim folk who want to see them on their best behavior. She’s more of the adventurous type and isn’t one to sit and entertain the small talk. Her Godfather, played by Morgan Freeman, is an inventor like her mother who created the egg long ago. He informs her the key is out there somewhere, she just has to find it on her own.
The tradition of letting the children find their presents on their own leads her down a mysterious hallway and into the Christmas Tree Forest (very Narnia-like.) Eventually, she finds the key she finds the key she has been looking for all along.. but a mischievous mouse spoils her fun. The chase is on and along the way, she befriends a living nutcracker soldier and the Leaders of the Four Realms.
The Sugar Plum Fairy (Keira Knightley) shows her around and informs her that the Four Realms are war torn due to the actions of the fourth leader, Mother Ginger. This scene is astonishing, featuring a beautiful storytelling dance by Misty Copeland, the most decorated active ballerina in the country. This is the only dance sequence in the film, which is pretty disappointing considering its origins. Sugar Plum’s story inspires Clara to form a small army and confront Mother Ginger. After a few revelation, Clara finds herself in the middle of a complicated battle.
There are a few standout characters in The Nutcracker, but none that captive the hearts and souls as Mousewitz, the cute and personable mouse. He’s awesome, but in all seriousness, Mackenzie Foy, does a great job as Clara. She has a bright future ahead of her. Knightley plays a kooky Fairy. I enjoyed seeing her and having her as the only superstar actor in the main plot.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is a tale about grief and perseverance at a vulnerable time in ones life. Young Clara shows children they are special to someone and even when the going gets tough, you can always find a way to make it through whatever is bringing you down. Parents should bring their kids to see this film if they’re looking for a classic Disney-style movie. I don’t want classic to be misconstrued though. I don’t think this movie is a blockbuster by any means. It’s for the children and features a lot of kiddy, bubblegum language. Nutcracker felt like a 7 for me. It’ll receive all of its attention this holiday, and probably won’t be heard from again. You’re better off going to see the actual ballet if your expecting dance numbers like I was. The lack of dance takes away from the point of the story and removes what its most known for.
