User reviews

Supposedly it took two directors to finish and wrap up this gorgeous fantasy movie with a lot of post-production editing. Inspired by the short Nutcracker story, this movie would never be a The NeverEnding Story (1984) movie based on Michael Ende's international best-seller nor The Chronicles of Naria: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005) based on C.S. Lewis. Nevertheless, the story outline flows together most likely because of the tight editing. From the very beginning the sweeping camera photography enwraps its audience into a delightful collage of old sites of Victorian England. The set design and amazing landscapes are brilliant. The performance captivating, even the father whose stoic face is betrayed with small poignant pauses and looks of subtle emotional despair. Somewhat predictable along with a harsh but maybe unavoidable twist, the movie seems to transform from magical, fantastic mystery along with the royal flourishes of The Princess Diaries (2001) to a more simple dichotomous clash between good and evil. Nevertheless, the simple ending surprisingly is a pleasant soft surprise with its relational bonding scene along with a delightful series of ballet dance numbers during the closing credits. This was a decent, memorable, if not top brilliant classic of a movie.

I have to write this: if you are expecting a truthful rendition of the ballet, then do NOT go see this. It is so much more....I am a dancer, and i was really worried it would an other ballet version...it actually draws back from the Hoffmann tale, which is quite dark. We still get a dose of dancing with the beautiful Misty Copeland, and we do not need more.

From someone who has not read the book, this is worth the watch. There are some dry parts and maybe that's why the critics have given this movie a low score but it's still better than A Wrinkle In Time's adaptation. It's fairly comparable to Alice In Wonderland, so if that's your cup of tea then you'll surely e joy The Nutcracker and The Four Realms. This is also one of those movies with an "a-ha!" moment when it comes to the villain (which caught me off guard) and I love the story for that.

What I enjoyed most is how the director did all the transitions from scene to another, it was flawlessly magical! Give this movie a go if you're a true hearted Alice in Wonderland fan - you won't regret it!

I enjoyed it. It is a different take from the original piece of story, but that's how it's always supposed to go in Disney. Make it different and to revel who is the villain in the end. That's why it adds a twist within half way within the movie, cause that's what's make it enjoyable and I do love the twist in story that Clara is the main character that she understands what she most do is right.

This was a pleasant surprise. Instead of only being based on the ballet (which, to me, has beautiful dance but lacks narrative) it is a hybrid of the ballet and the book THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING. This is a beautiful, creative, imaginative, skillfull, and layered production. There is the excellence of Misty Copeland as the Ballerina Princess, the ingenue charm of MacKenzie Foy, the veteran performances of Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and Keira Knightly, the beautiful set pieces that made the realms so real, the comedic and the menacing elements of story, the real loss of our protagonist and the resolving discoveries ("missing is remembering" was a powerful thought), wonderful music, and an abundance of imagination and whimsy. I really liked this film, and give it an 8 (great) out of 10. {Fantastic Adventure}

I really enjoyed this movie though it did seem a bit rushed in a few places, and a bit more background on the realms and the charaters would have been nice, but I really enjoyed the new take on this and I really liked Clara. Also the sets and costumes where Beautifully Done!

I was so sceptical to see this film, BUT I am glad I did. There are a few characters I didnt like but I wont mention it as that's my own opinion.

BUT over all the film was so enhancing and magical and such a beautiful story it truly has me gripped from start to finish I didnt take my eyes of the screen and sad when finished! beautiful and overall a great film rated an 8 because of certain characters I didnt find enjoyable.

GO SEE!

Those with all of the negative reviews that are one star, or stating how awful it is have no imagination, no fantasy and no creativity. They see it as a pathetic waste of time yet they themselves are the waste of time reading. This movie is art, the acting is quite good and the main character has everything you would want in a heroine, she has compassion, ingenuity, intelligence and a strength that beguiles her age. This movie is fantasy and you should watch it as the fantasy it is.

Many are comparing this to the original Nutcracker and it definitely isn't on that level. However, I never saw anything where Disney said that it was supposed to be a full on remake. They took a bit of the original storyline and branched off into something new. Yes, there are remnants of other films but it's still a fun watch. The sets are beautifully done and the characters are entertaining. There is only a bit of actual ballet but it's done very nicely. Don't go into it expecting The Nutcracker, it's not. Take it as the lighthearted adventure it is.

Yes it just a typical Disney movie. Actor was OK. Props, costumes and scenery was amazing, Plot was super easy (but not cheesy). There is no significantly wrong with the movie. Recommended for kid and family.

I don't want to compare to Tim Burton movie, etc...it will ruin my imagination while watching it. Suprisingly, it's was a good movie. I rates 8 for beautiful costumes and props

It's a very nice movie to watch with your kids..watch and enjoy.

I honestly don't know what is wrong with people, it's almost like this film got flash-mobbed with bad reviews. It never purported to be something with artistic or acting bite like Shawshank. It's a family Disney Christmas fairytale. And it delivers that. I didn't find it overly twee or overly forced or anything. It was magical, and sweeping and fun. My kids certainly enjoyed it too. I'm amazed so many people hated it. It was a lovely film.

I'm not a 10 year old but I still loved! K. Knightly was fab as Sugar plum fairy and Misty Copeland's ballet in the film and at the end was beautiful.

Wow, I just watched this and didn't realize how much people hated it. I love the nutcracker and like how this is inspired by it, but still is its own story. Loved the acting, the actors, the costumes, scenery, and story. This is a cute, wintery movie. I guess other people are always unhappy when things are different than they expect, but also unhappy when things are similar. I suggest you watch it for yourself and decide.

Yes- some of the acting and CG was not the best, but my 4 year old and 10 year old really enjoyed it. I knew going into it it wasn't going to be 'The Nutcracker' as the name of the movie is 'The Nutcracker and The Four Realms'. They did a good job at adding all the 'characters' and adding Tchaikovsky's scores into the film. It is a new take on the ballet story. I tried to get my kids to watch the ballet...they didn't last long. When reading other reviews on here I'm assuming they were expecting the ballet or they didn't go (or have) with children. All in all it's a good family movie with a new twist on an old story.

Ok so I walked into the movie knowing all the reviews were terrible but I wanted to see for myself and I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw it wasnt bad at all the movie made me smile and laugh I really enjoyed it .the movie is pure Christmas magic

As a fan of the nutcracker, this movie was beautiful, right from the music to the characters to the costumes and everything! The story wasn't anything new and a little cliche but done well! Not to mention good actors so it wasn't cringey. Overall very enjoyable!

I loved "Nutcracker" and found the naysayers and critics to be wrong in their opinions about the plot and acting. Mackenzie Foy is very believable in her grief and also in her love of figuring things out. The plot is very mesmerizing and I found that contrary to what "Rotten Tomatoes" and other sites say, not convoluted or confusing at all. I loved the twists at the end and also how Clara found strength in herself and ability to do the right thing. I hope moviegoers will decide for themselves to see this movie as it it perfect for the holidays, and not let someone else decide for them!

I nearly didn't go see it due the very poor reviews....I'm glad I ignored them.

Yes this film is no epic like some of Disney's other movies, however it's a nice gentle film with some very entertaining moments.

A very English cast with lots of little cameos.

A nice story and heartwarming sentiment for Christmas.

Some great characterisation from the cast.

I don't know the story of the nutcracker well but I do know the music and it was cleverly weaved throughout the film.

I felt Sugar Plumb had been written for Helena Bonham Carter but Keira pulled it off well.

All in all a great family film I'm sure will be a festive favourite for years to come.

Story was fine, Acting was good, effects and cinematography were great. I'm familiar with the nutcracker story and this movie only borrowed parts of its story. However, I found it to be a good movie nonetheless.

Yes the visuals are the only thing going for it but beneath that layer is a pretty good story about a girl not willing to accept her reality . Foy really transcends in this and the camera loves her she's bound for stardom. As for the main powerhouse Kiera Knightley really knocked it out it of he park , she gives one of the most bizarre yet unique performances of the year. She's clearly having a good time and it shows she definitely makes the picture for me . Miran is ok very underused. Jayden Fowora-Knight on the other hand is another star I hope to see more of in the future just a brilliant actor. Overall yeah the four realms is a Christmas Alice but if you're willing to give it a chance you might find a new gem to watch every year.

This movie works really well for kids who love imagination. My kids (8,6,3) all loved the movie. The visuals are absolutely stunning and the music is wonderful. The plot is a bit convoluted and there are certainly some unnecessary aspects, but nothing that is too distracting. This is absolutely a popcorn movie, just go enjoy the visuals and the fun, don't try to analyze it as high art.

Unfortunately, as a typical Disney movie, it revolves around a child who lost a parent and must learn to deal with it. But the ending justify's the emotions pretty well and it is all handled in a healthy way.

There are a few semi-intense scenes where they got nervous, but nothing really scary happened. The relationship of the main character and the nutcracker is a little odd (are they flirting? is he even real?) but it is not a main plot point so it is a minor issue.

Ok so going to see this movie wasn't originally on my list but after seeing some preivews I went for it and I must admit in not that upset that I did it wasn't the best movie but it was far from the worst I had ever seen the movie was sweet action packed and full of excitement but it rrarea gets you ready for the holidays and I loved the chriChris magic

I saw this movie tonight after much anticipation. Yes I read and heard the negative commments, however, I never base seeing a movie on them. What do I look for in any film, well a few things such as...believability, set construction, costumes, attention to detail, story, the point of the story, character chemistry, and the ebb and flow fo the story. The set and costumes are magnificently done. In close ups the attention to detail is spot on. The story does not try to be what the original ballet is about. Instead it gave you a different look at a familiar story. If you look at the film for what it was then believability was there. It's a fairy tale, which means nothing is real so anything can be real. The point of the story is to show a young lady who has suffered a loss that all is not really ever lost its always with you and in doing so it helps to bring a suffering family together. It takes this young lady to go onto a fanciful journey to understand how to look for something that is not right in front of your eyes and see it. I gave it an 8 because it did spend too much time in places which slowed the momentum and the flow of the story. Also there were a few confusing spots. All in all it is a good family film that is light and reminds us all that even though we suffer loss and feel pain your re stronger than you think and those we loose are never lost they are always around inside each of us. This is a good thought for Christmas and any time of the year. I feel an Oscar nomination should be given for the set designs and costumes. The were beyond amazing!