Review of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) by Jonathan S — 02 Nov 2018

Nutcracker and the Four Realms: ï¿ 1/2?ï¿ 1/2?

It's not like anyone expected this to be a faithful adaption of either the famed ballet or ETA Hoffman's classic story, but I doubt any of us could have predicted it to be bland and unoriginal. Our main character, Clara, is lcut from the exact same mold as Belle from last years Beauty and the Beast remake. She's a brilliant inventor, just like her mom....and that's it! We know literally nothing else about this character before she is abruptly thrust into the latest Narnia/Wonderland knock-off; not even bothering to show a crossing of the threshold to initiate our journey, just walk down a hall into darkness and out a tree. We are quickly introduced to the titular Nutcracker, who is charming, sure, but has even less personality than our lead actress. I seriously don't know why he is in this other than his name is in the title. It certainly isn't his story, so really it should be called Clara and the Four Realms. Even that is stretching it a bit seeing as how three of the four are never really delved into deeply, with the fourth barely serving as set dressing. The settings and costumes are a bright spot on this otherwise dull affair; plenty to ooh and aah at, but they hardly distract from the flat-out lazy writing. My god is the writing as cheap and cliched as it gets. You can predict every line moments before it happens because it's all been done before. The villain is laughably lazy, with a heel turn so predictable one can see it coming a mile away. It's unfortunate too because had they kept the character as is they may have been a much more compelling antagonist, but I'd rather not spoil what little surprise it might have to offer to at least some people. I know high school students who could write a better story than this one. No characterization whatsoever, weak continuity, lame set up, it all had potential if done right but instead feel incredibly forced and wholly unoriginal. But hey, at least it's still leaps and bound superior to the dreadful 2010 version with Nathan Lane. Young ones may find some enjoyment from it {if they aren't creeped out by some of it}, but most rational adults will likely find this one a bore. Much more enjoyment can be had with a night at the ballet.