Newest Disney film will intrigue audiences young and old

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, directed by Joe Johnston and Lasse Hallström, is a twist on the classic novel “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann. But, this classic is probably more widely known as the Tchaikovsky ballet that is a common choice for children’s Christmas recitals around the world.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms debuted on Nov. 2, highly anticipated by audiences of all ages ever since the teaser trailers were released in late 2017. The show ended up earning 20 million on opening weekend. The film stars some big-name actors, such as Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, Eugenio Derbez, and Morgan Freeman.

On a mysterious Christmas Eve, young Clara Stahlbaum and her family are adjusting to their first Christmas without Clara’s mother, who passed away not long before the holiday season. Before leaving for a big annual party at her godfather’s house, Clara receives a sentimental gift from her dear late mother but is unable to open the trinket without a special key. At her godfather’s party, she goes searching for her key and finds herself in a strange and mystical world, where toys are alive and the unimaginable is real. In this world, she learns to not always trust a first impression and that she is the solution to her greatest problems.

When Clara enters this new world, she is introduced to many lovable and spectacular characters, such as Sugar Plum, played by Knightley and the Flower Realm King, played by Derbez, who all try to help Clara find the key to her mother’s gift.One of the most standout character developments was from a character called Mother Ginger, played by Mirren. This woman was hated at the beginning of the movie, but through the film, she develops as one of the heroines. The writers for this movie put many many hours into piecing together all of the twists and turns to this heartwarming film, and makes this production is a must-see for movie-lovers of all ages. The acting, special effects, and storyline are sure to keep audiences young and old captivated through the whole fantastical fantasy experience. Every watcher will take away messages that empower self-confidence, trust and family.