La danseuse étoile de Noël

Lately Hallmark has often been accused of going woke. For many, this movie will be another example of that. I prefer to look at their recent lineups of movies as having some that educate about and celebrate different ethnic cultures that are all around many of us. It is interesting, however, that this story is set in Richmond, VA where the Hispanic population is a fairly small percentage.

This movie explores two things related to cultural diversity. One issue is the difficulties some minority performers face in classic performing arts. Another is the question of including new cultural ideas into these traditional cultural activities,

We have Ms. Kat who stands for all the traditional or classic norms in a big-time ballet production company, especially as it regards a production of the Nutcracker. And then there are Natalia and Vivi. They represent minority performers in a world many assume doesn't give minorities enough opportunity to shine.

And it goes deeper. Passion is always important in Hallmark and other similar TV movies. Natalia tells Vivi that her performances must have passion. And to be truly fair to the performer, she needs the opportunity to explore her own cultural background in her performances. So, Natalia choreographs the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in a Latin style similar to Salsa. Her objective is to give Vivi something to put in her performance reels.

This movie also explores where does an iconic performer (or sports hero) go when their body is no longer fit for the actual performance?

And we have two simultaneous romances. Both are secondary plot threads.

There is plenty of sappiness and a little melodrama. And lots of dancing.

The acting was good across the board. The dancing looked good to me, both classic and Latin. The result is an upbeat movie that also explores cultural issues.

Good film with a cultural twist that doesn't seem forced or have just a token diverse character thrown in. The story was interesting and included actors not seen in many other Hallmark movies, More movies like this please!

Hallmark has done it again with another clean, feel-good movie. Some of you may recognize one of the female leads as Salt from Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. In real life, the actress is half-Lebanese and half-Caucasian.

Sugar Plum Twist touches on the subject of opening up the world of ballet (and the arts in general) to performers of all racial backgrounds, and experimenting in mixture classic European music and dance with Latin salsa and modern genres. But the movie doesn't shove racial politics down your throat. It's enjoyable for viewers of all racial backgrounds.

The only big complaint I have is that, deep in the movie, I don't really get why the protagonist gets angry at her love interest for speaking up in her defense. Her reaction was uncalled for. Instead of thanking him for supporting her, she takes her frustrations out on him. That's not a good way to treat your friends, let alone your future spouse. If he had said nothing, another screenwriter would have made her berate him for not having her back.

I enjoyed this Latin twist on the boring Balanchine nutcracker...don't get me wrong, I absolutely love Tchaikovsky and disagree with those classical snobs who think his work is too Plebeian! (Check out his piano concertos...they are amazing.)

I love Latin dancing and I enjoyed its incorporation in a Hallmark holiday film.

The acting was great, the music good...I think they could have used a bigger budget for the costumes...but otherwise was happy.

Expectations were mixed to relatively positive prior to watching. Absolutely love watching dancing, despite being no good at it myself, and love even more so 'The Nutcracker' (have done ever since the age of six). Hallmark did do a fair share of good Christmas films in 2021 and 'Sugar Plum Twist' had one of the best premises of that year, one of Hallmark's most ambitious and is different. Am however not a fan of Jamie Gray Hyder and never warmed at all to her or her character on 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit'.

'Sugar Plum Twist' really impressed me. As far as 2021 Hallmark Christmas films go (which was a very up and down batch), it is one of the best (as well as one of the most ambitious and refreshing) and makes the most of its premise, the execution not being too conventional. It is not perfect, with the flaws being a couple of the usual suspects, but there is a huge amount to like here, absolutely loved the clever twist on a favourite and Hyder surprised me in a good way.

Will agree absolutely that the protagonist's sudden negative reaction to being defended was far too extreme and completely undeserved.

Maybe Rachel DeBenedect overdoes it as a character that has few redeeming qualities for most of the film and for reasons not clear. She does become a good deal better when the character softens and in a change of heart that is much more realistic than most changes of heart in Hallmark films, as it doesn't feel as rushed and it is movingly done.

As said, Hyder really surprised me in an engaging performance as an identifiable and inspiring character that is the complete opposite of her over-zealous, opinionated and cold character on 'Special Victims Unit'. Laura Rosquer charms too and they have great chemistry together. The acting on the whole is fine and the interaction always connected and never distant or uncomfortable looking. The characters are written realistically and in on the whole a not too perfect or overly flawed way (other than Miss Kat in regard to the latter), was very inspired by the two leads.

It is a good looking film, particularly the scenery. Regardless of the lack of authenticity, it is still beautiful as is the decor. The music has verve and variety and the dancing is full of energy and grace in very clever choreography that does so well embracing Latin dance and culture. The climax is enough to inspire anybody in the performing arts. The script is not too cheesy or schmaltzy and flows well. The story is very heart-warming and charming, with the social issues being really relatable and handled tactfully. The diversity is also done tastefully and to me its increase in recent Hallmark films been more than welcome, quite surprising that including it has become a criticism when those complaining about it now were complaining about there not being enough of it before.

Overall, very nicely done. 8/10.