When I was growing up back in Staten Island my mom would go all out decorating for the holiday. At first we had got a fresh tree every year but then resorted to a plastic one to save money and the environment. However, one of the things my mom loved putting out were a pair of nutcrackers dressed in their iconic red uniforms. What if the legends were true and you could go to a mystical land that was full of adventure and danger? This is the premise behind the latest Disney film Nutcracker and the Four Realms but is this a land you will want to visit?
The story is set in a Victorian London and as this takes place over Christmas the main character Clara gets a present from her recently deceased mother. This mysterious egg shaped box made out of wood is very interesting indeed as she cannot figure out how to unlock its secrets. Inside the package there is a note from her mother saying that what is inside would be all that she ever needed. Clara decides to pester the guests at the annual Christmas Eve ball and also refuses to dance with her father. As it comes time for the children to recieve their gifts Clara notices a piece of string with her name on it. She follows this string and is swept up into the world of the Four Kingdoms. The Four Kingdoms are broken up into the Lands of Sweets, Snowflakes and Flowers as they are at war with the final kingdom, the Land of Amusements. What happens next is an amazing adventure that will keep you in your seat from beginning to end. This is an amazing film with great character designs and wondrous special effects.
And once you are done with the movie there are a few special features that will keep you coming back for more. On Pointe: Misty Copeland focuses on the rising star’s dancing career and how this factored into the movie. There are some deleted scenes as well as two music videos by Lang Lang and Andrea Bocelli. The last featurette is called Unwrapping The Nutcracker And The Four Realms which deals with how the movie came to life. From the concept phases to actually making the film, this small documentary touches on every aspect of the film as it went from storyboard to the big screen.
If you love the original story or just want a great adventure movie definitely check out The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. For more information on this film head over to their website and get ready to head to a magical world.
