The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

THE GIST: Clara is very fond of all-things science, a curiosity she shared with her recently deceased mother, whom she misses very much, and who left her an egg-shaped lockbox as a gift, but without a key to open it. At a party thrown by her godfather, also a scientist, she's transported to a magical world in the process of searching for the key. There, she discovers four realms, three of which are good, while the fourth is under the control of Mother Ginger. That's where she will have to travel, if she wants to find her key.

I've always been curious about the story of the Nutcracker that's routinely proposed around Christmastime, so when I heard of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms I figured I'd check it out.

Unfortunately, while great costumes, good visual effects, and dazzling set decoration certainly please the eye, the script left me a bit cold.

Mackenzie Foy leads a cast that includes Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Richard E. grant, and Keira Knightley.

THE BOTTOM LINE: I'm not saying you'll be bored, but I can't see anyone over the age of ten being too satisfied.

Grade: 5