Nutcrackers

David Gordon Green shifts gears and makes a holiday drama with a premise that's familiar all the way. You know how everything's gonna go down, so the least you'd expect is some Ben Stiller-modeled laughs. There's not much here in the way of humour, except for one very random John Rambo bedtime story. The screenplay offers absolutely no surprises, although this isn't the kind of film that's insufferable to sit through, with mushy melodrama and overblown Christmas aesthetics. For those who were expecting a Christmas classic, well.. this AIN'T it. I'll pick Bad Santa and Violent Night over this any December. And if I need well-written drama, I'd go for The Holdovers.

But, I just liked it. Ben's acting seemed as if he didn't even want to be there and I could barely understand what the kids were saying half the time. I felt like I was watching the "Wolfpack" brothers if they looked like the "Hanson" brothers. The kids lack of discipline was annoying at times and yet they were smart and capable. I almost wondered if the parents faked their demise and ran away. Would i recommend this movie? Probably if you want to watch a confusing family movie with a Christmas theme. There was something about the brothers that is intriguing and I hope to see more of them in the future after they hone in on their acting skills.

I went into watching this movie thinking that it was another Ben Stiller slapstick comedy. However, I ended up being pleasantly surprised that Nutcrackers isn't that. It's hard to capture in words, what makes it good. Yes, it's heartwarming, funny and somewhat light, but it's the kids, their animals, and their rural environment that end up capturing your heart. I wasn't surprised when I later read that the boys are actually brothers in real life and that it was filmed on their family's actual farm. Ben Stiller was good but seemed a little out of place in the flow of things - but I guess that was the point wasn't it? :-)

Nutcrackers (2024) aims to deliver holiday magic but falls far short of expectations, resulting in an experience that feels almost meaningless. The plot meanders without a clear purpose, and the script suffers from poor writing, filled with clichés and lifeless dialogue. This, paired with its overly slow pacing, makes it difficult to stay engaged.

The visuals are uninspired, with bland set designs and lackluster cinematography that fail to capture the festive spirit. The characters are shallow and underdeveloped, offering little for viewers to connect with emotionally. Even moments that aim for humor or charm feel forced and ineffective.

While Nutcrackers might appeal to someone who simply wants to pass the time with a holiday-themed movie, it ultimately fails to provide any memorable or enjoyable moments. It's a disappointing entry in the holiday movie lineup, lacking the warmth and joy that make the genre special.

Yikes

A big Chicago hot shot named Michael (Mike) must return to smaller life when his sister passes away and leaves 4 kids parentless. He is going back to try and sort the foster parent situation, as things are on hold he must spend the weekend with Justice, Junior, Simon and Samuel. The boys who prove to be a lot will also be an extra heave in trying to find them a new home. The question is will Mikes personal life take importance over the relocation of his nephews.

It's a really good idea for a movie but it feels like nothing clicked, the kids are grieving but acting like feral animals at one minute and an hour later are perfectly fine, this happens a lot in the movie.

There are some heartfelt scenes and the acting isn't an issue, I just feel the movie wasn't Christmas themed bar the last 20 minutes. It was long and boring at times unfortunately, I don't recommend, maybe watch a classic instead, 4/10.