Welcome to the Galactic Theater, where we'll explore the works of master manipulators of light waves, examine the themes brought to play, and critique the final products of months of hard work.
This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the movie.
That said, on to the review!
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite is one of my favorite collections of classical music, and the ballet is something magnificent to behold. However, I cannot and will not deny the charm that this particular animated version holds for me. Adaptations come and adaptations go, but this adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman's classic tale appeals to viewers young and old alike.
Young Clara is delighted with the presents she's received this Christmas, but none so captivates and interests her as the wooden nutcracker given her by "Uncle" Drosselmeyer. She's furious when her younger brother, Fritz, accidentally breaks the nutcracker's teeth on a metal ball, but Uncle Drosselmeyer soothes away her anger by telling her the story of the Nutcracker: how it is actually his nephew, Hans, transformed into the Prince of the Dolls by the dark magic of the wicked--and, fortunately, dead--Mouse Queen. Later that night Clara finds herself caught in a battle between the vengeful Mouse King and an awakened Nutcracker. She saves the Nutcracker temporarily, but has an accident of her own that leaves her bedridden for the day. The next night, however, the Mouse King returns, and not all her efforts can prevent a final battle between the King of the Mice and the Prince of the Dolls.
There is humor in this movie, but it varies in its shades between grim and absolutely ludicrous. The ludicrous part appears primarily in Herr Drosselmeyer's relation of the story of the Nutcracker, what with a dumpy little king that better resembles Wonderland's Queen of Hearts and a queen who seems unable to do anything but cry. There are other instances--few though they are--of attempts at the lighter side, such as Marie's stalking and jumping a duck to take her back to the Land of the Dolls. However, the situation is extremely serious when old Pantaloon has his wits scrambled thanks to a blow from the Mouse King. It really isn't funny at all when he starts mixing his proverbs: "Heaven take my sword, England keep my...soul?" Not funny at all.
The story is a serious one, there's no doubt about it. Clara has a mission to fulfill, even if she doesn't necessarily know what it is. Well, she does, but she's not exactly certain about how to go about accomplishing the freeing of the Nutcracker from the Mouse Queen's spell. She succeeds in restoring him to his throne in the Land of the Dolls, but breaking a magical spell is much harder...especially when there is the ever-present threat of the Mouse King's sword to worry about.
I can't say much more, except that I really enjoyed this movie. The exquisite music of Tchaikovsky floats in the background, aiding in establishing the Christmas-y atmosphere. The fine vocal cast added depth and emotion where in the ballet one must rely upon the dancers' graceful movements for passion. Kiefer Sutherland plays the title role, even though Megan Follows as Clara has more stage time overall.
You can purchase The Nutcracker Prince on videotape at just about any video store, especially now during the holiday season, though I know for a fact I purchased it during the summer (hey, whenever I can find it).
Interested in buying this video? You can! Just follow the link to order the VHS version. You can also visit the Stellar Video Store for other titles.
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