Review by Jon Donnis
"Nutcrackers," directed by David Gordon Green, arrives as a familiar, heartwarming holiday film that's perfectly suited to those seeking a dose of feel-good cheer without anything too surprising. The film tells the story of Mike Maxwell, played by Ben Stiller, who, after the sudden death of his sister and her husband, is tasked with looking after his rambunctious nephews in rural Ohio. As he tries to close a business deal and help the kids find a foster home, Mike becomes increasingly involved in their lives, culminating in a rather unconventional holiday performance of The Nutcracker.
Despite its rather predictable narrative, Nutcrackers does have its charms. The film is filled with solid performances, particularly from Stiller, who brings a mix of comedy and vulnerability to his role. His interaction with the four Kicklighter children, each of whom has their own unique personality, is one of the film's most enjoyable aspects. The kids, led by Homer Janson as the rebellious Justice, are energetic and provide plenty of opportunities for comedic moments, though they also evoke sympathy as they deal with the loss of their parents and their uncertain future. Linda Cardellini's portrayal of Gretchen Rice, the social worker, adds a necessary grounding presence to the chaos of the Kicklighter household, even if her role is somewhat underdeveloped.
The script, penned with wit and humour, does its best to keep the energy light, though it occasionally falls into the trap of relying on the kind of clichés that we've seen time and again in holiday films. From the rich, indifferent socialite Al Wilmington (played by Toby Huss) to the subplot of Mike's competing business rival, Nutcrackers seems intent on checking off every familiar holiday movie trope. There's even a memorable sequence where the kids destroy a nativity display at a Christmas party, a scene that's entertaining but undeniably predictable.
However, the film does manage to surprise in its heartwarming moments. Mike's reluctant bonding with the children, particularly in his efforts to produce a version of The Nutcracker with Junior's "better" ballet script, forms the emotional core of the story. The idea of a quirky, low-budget, community performance against the odds, while not exactly fresh, does evoke a sense of nostalgia for simpler, more earnest holiday films. And when the kids take the performance outdoors, turning it into a spontaneous street event, there's an undeniable feel-good satisfaction to watching the community come together to support the Kicklighters.
Though it lacks the kind of inventiveness that would make it stand out in the crowded holiday film market, Nutcrackers succeeds in providing a solid dose of entertainment. It's the kind of movie that doesn't take risks or push any boundaries, but its warmth and humour will still leave many viewers with a smile on their faces. The film's greatest strength lies in its simplicity: it doesn't aim to be groundbreaking or particularly deep but instead sticks to the basics of holiday storytelling, offering a classic tale of family, redemption, and love.
That said, Nutcrackers is, for all its charm, a rather forgettable entry in the genre. While enjoyable enough in the moment, it doesn't linger long in the memory. Its predictable plot and reliance on familiar tropes mean it's unlikely to make a lasting impact, but it's a perfectly pleasant choice for those looking for a holiday film that doesn't challenge or provoke too much. In the end, Nutcrackers does exactly what it sets out to do: entertain and uplift, but without leaving any lasting impression. It's a safe, if somewhat sweet, family film that will undoubtedly find its audience, especially during the festive season.
Nutcrackers is a solid, if unremarkable, Christmas film. It brings together solid acting, a few genuine laughs, and an emotional core that will appeal to fans of heartwarming holiday stories. It's the kind of film that, while it may not revolutionise the genre, will leave you feeling good as the credits roll. For those in need of a simple, feel-good holiday movie, it ticks all the right boxes, even if it doesn't break any new ground. On the whole, it's a safe bet for a cosy night in, with enough warmth to make it a pleasant, if fleeting, experience. 6/10.
Out Now on Streaming - https://apple.co/49imBjD
