Disney’s holiday fantasy The Nutcracker & the Four Realms is available to ease the transition between one sweet-filled holiday and another. The movie’s title is long, but it’s a mildly entertaining adventure that alternates between sweet and sour flavors. Clara’s mother has recently passed away and darkness hangs over the Stahlbaum home. But, in order to keep up appearances, Clara is forced to attend a lavish party thrown by her sagely godfather (Morgan Freeman, “a href=”https://thecriticalcritics.com/reviews/movie-review-going-instyle/”>Going in Style/a>). Clara’s mother recently died and the Stahlbaum family is in a dark place. But the family has to keep up their appearances so Clara must attend the lavish party that her wise godfather throws. Morgan Freeman plays the role of the godfather. Clara’s last Christmas gift from her mother, who has passed away, is a mysterious box that contains no key. Anyone with a basic understanding of stories knows that the quest is to find this key. . . hmm . . . a magical world, perhaps? Clara, a young girl, wanders into a dark corridor and emerges from a hollowed-out tree. She finds herself in an enchanting winter wonderland where she meets a friend, and learns of the sinister forces lurking around her. You’re not the only one who finds this story familiar. Clara’s Adventure is clearly inspired from another classic children’s book, even if the author doesn’t admit it. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms makes for an easy joke, as Disney has combined elements of successful properties that brought them huge profits (along with ” The Chronicles of Narnia : The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” and there is also an inherent ” Alice in Wonderland.” influence). It’s also worth noting the family-friendly company’s insistence to return to the dead mother motif now borders on morbid Foy’s angelic adorability makes her an ideal fit for a story of dolls that come to life, and she also brings Clara a toughness that sparks a cool courage. She is a strong heroine who will take on anything that stands in her path, including scurrying mice and tin soldiers. Clara’s friend is Nutcracker, a guard (Jayden Fowora-Knight), who abandons his post in order to accompany Clara on her quest. The Fourth Realm is a place of breathtaking visuals. Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren from “Winchester“) oversees a dilapidated park and a forest of trees. A Russian-style palace is another memorable place in the fantasy realm, where the Sugar Plum Fairy lives (Keira Knightley from “The Immitation Game“). Clara will be treated to a beautiful ballet performance which chronicles the history and culture of this lovely place. There are worse ways to convey information than by photographing Misty Copeland on stage. The ballet and the score, which is heavily influenced by Tchaikovsky compositions, are both nice touches. They honor the Nutcracker’s history and offer an experience not found in many modern children’s films. Even though The Nutcracker And The Four Realms is a derivative film, it has charm and cuteness that are on display. The cast is good, but Knightley shines with an oddball role that sees her eating her own cotton candy and getting excited by men in uniform with empty heads. The Nutcracker And The Four Realms, above all else, is a simple story with familiar lessons. Believe in yourself. Be kind to others! Do not get angry with your father because he is mourning the loss of his wife. Things like that. Through it all, there is a nostalgia for the holiday season. This colorful film confection is sure to keep you entertained until you can watch the real Christmas classics. | |

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
Genre(s): Adventure, Family, Fantasy
MPAA Rating:PG
Director(s): Joe Johnston, Lasse Hallström
Actor(s): Mackenzie Foy, Ellie Bamber, Eugenio Derbez, Helen Mirren, Jack Whitehall, Jayden Fowora-Knight, Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Morgan Freeman, Richard E. Grant, Tom Sweet
Writer(s): Ashleigh Powell
Producer(s): Larry Franco, Mark Gordon
Studio(s): The Mark Gordon Company, Walt Disney Pictures
Length:99 minutes
Release Date(s):US: November 2, 2018 | UK: November 2, 2018