The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, directed by Lasse Hallstrӧm and Joe Johnston, is a new family adventure movie that takes the viewers into a fantastical wonderland. The movie follows a young girl Clara, played by Mackenzie Foy, on her escapade through the four realms to recover a golden key that will keep the four realms united. The key also segways into the side story of unlocking an ominous Christmas gift her deceased mother had left behind. On her journey she encounters many adversaries that do everything in their power to stop her on her magical quest, but in the end it all comes down to Clara’s strength and the help from those she befriends along the way.

A number of the online reviews for the movie are split, but in general this film did very average, if not below that. The movie got 5.6 out of 10 on IMDb as well as a 34 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. It is evident that the movie was not received too spectacularly by the critics. Sandie Angulo Chen from commonsensemedia.org said, “At least Foy’s plucky Clara leads a charge and learns her worth as she defends this fantasy world. It’s just that this Nutcracker isn’t quite enchanting enough to become a classic.” The Nutcracker and the Four Realms runs at one hour and thirty nine minutes long and is rated PG. The film is estimated to come out on DVD in February 2019.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms most certainly has the Disney moral of the story to it, but beneath that, it does not have much to offer. This movie is recommended mostly for children and it is clear why. The appeal to children is definitely present but the older audience will see right through most of the uninteresting plot and characterization. The storyline falls short and leaves the viewers wanting more. The movie entertains young viewers, but falls short of becoming nearly as popular as the classic.