THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS

Don’t go to the theatre expecting to watch a typical Disney princess-type fantasy flick. Instead, this version of the classic ballet/tale, based on E. T. A. Hoffmann’s 1816 short story, is packed with live-action with a good measure of mysticism and humour thrown in to keep the audience hooked for one-hour 40 minutes. The story revolves around Clara (Makenzie Foy), a young girl fascinated with science. She is transported to a mysterious and magic land divided into four realms where toys are magically brought to life. While the movie, as a fresh piece of work is captivating, hardcore Disney fans would probably have loved the run time to have been extended with a few more happy songs thrown in (there was just one song in the film). Watch out for Keira Knightley’s Sugar Plum Fairy and the ballet bits. IMDB gives it 5.5 (written by CT reader Nathan Gomes).