Directed by David Gordon Green of Pineapple Express (2008), Nutcrackers is a comedy/drama that follows a single, child-free uncle (Ben Stiller) whose life changes completely after his four unruly nephews are unexpectedly orphaned. 

The trailer for Nutcrackers featured well-edited clips with some promising comic timing and talented young performers. Unfortunately, the finished product felt forced. It also contained super long cuts of dancing towards the end that tested my patience instead of giving me that heartwarming moment it tried to induce. 

I stayed watching Nutcrackers past the twenty-minute mark because it gave me glimpses of Ben Stiller at the height of his comedic powers. The period when hits such as There’s Something About Mary (1998), Meet the Parents (2000) and Zoolander (2001) were released.

Nutcrackers attempted a few more moments of emotional depth outside of the aforementioned dancing scenes. However, those, too, read as manufactured, and poorly so, because it felt like I saw all the beats coming.

One more positive thing? Linda Cardellini is always a pleasant surprise on any cast list. My only wish is that Nutcrackers had been a more successful option outside of the usual, super cheesy romantic Christmas films of the season, which, as cheesy as they may be, have their rightful place.

Watch Nutcrackers, only if you absolutely must.

Happy Film Loving, 

G