| Overall Grade: | B |
|---|---|
| Violence: | A- |
| Sexual Content: | A |
| Language: | A |
| Drugs/Alcohol: | -- |
| MPAA Rating: | |
| Video Release: |
In-Depth Review
ShareNutcracker, The is rated G:
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, as the official title of this movie reads, puts the world famous ballet, story, and of course Tchaikovsky's classic score to video. Set as a stage production, the movie tells the story of toymaker Drosselmeier who comes to visit a little girl and her family. With him he brings his nephew, played by Macaulay Culkin, who later transforms into the Nutcracker Prince.
The Nutcracker on videotape can be useful in introducing children to ballet. It even comes complete with a friendly narrator, Kevin Kline, who is kind of like sitting in front of a ballet-wise father explaining what's happening on stage to his kids, and you get to overhear. With my knowledge of ballet, Mr. Kline was certainly useful at clarifying the actions of the dancers, although he does remove the fun of figuring out the story for yourself.
And then there is Macaulay Culkin, the real reason this production even made it to distribution. It's obvious that Culkin is the sugar to help the medicine go down, but he still leaves a bittersweet taste in my mouth. Smile Macaulay... bow Macaulay... and yes, he even gives a feeble attempt at a hop or two. However, for the most part Macaulay is placed in the film for the sole purpose of attracting an audience.
Tchaikovsky's music may be enough to keep some children interested, as they will no doubt recognize many of the pieces. As well, children with an artistic interest and a good imagination will find the film entertaining, but for children raised on action and spoon-fed drama, you may be wasting your money.
Although I am not an avid consumer of ballet, I'm sure that ballet on the stage has far more impact then on television. This film poses nothing that wouldn't meet the standards and values of almost any family. However, don't watch it for Culkin, watch it because you enjoy the dancing, the story, and that glorious music that has lived with us for over a century.
Studio: 1993 Warner Bros..
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About the Reviewer: Rod Gustafson
Rod Gustafson has worked in various media industries since 1977. He founded Parent Previews in 1993, and today continues to write and broadcast the reviews in newspapers, on radio and (of course) on the Internet. He currently serves as the President of the Alberta Association for Media Awareness, a provincial non-profit society. He also authors a regular column for The Parent's Television Council in Los Angeles. He and his wife Donna have four children.
