Sugar Plum Twist

Good film with a cultural twist that doesn't seem forced or have just a token diverse character thrown in. The story was interesting and included actors not seen in many other Hallmark movies, More movies like this please!

Expectations were mixed to relatively positive prior to watching. Absolutely love watching dancing, despite being no good at it myself, and love even more so 'The Nutcracker' (have done ever since the age of six). Hallmark did do a fair share of good Christmas films in 2021 and 'Sugar Plum Twist' had one of the best premises of that year, one of Hallmark's most ambitious and is different. Am however not a fan of Jamie Gray Hyder and never warmed at all to her or her character on 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit'.

'Sugar Plum Twist' really impressed me. As far as 2021 Hallmark Christmas films go (which was a very up and down batch), it is one of the best (as well as one of the most ambitious and refreshing) and makes the most of its premise, the execution not being too conventional. It is not perfect, with the flaws being a couple of the usual suspects, but there is a huge amount to like here, absolutely loved the clever twist on a favourite and Hyder surprised me in a good way.

Will agree absolutely that the protagonist's sudden negative reaction to being defended was far too extreme and completely undeserved.

Maybe Rachel DeBenedect overdoes it as a character that has few redeeming qualities for most of the film and for reasons not clear. She does become a good deal better when the character softens and in a change of heart that is much more realistic than most changes of heart in Hallmark films, as it doesn't feel as rushed and it is movingly done.

As said, Hyder really surprised me in an engaging performance as an identifiable and inspiring character that is the complete opposite of her over-zealous, opinionated and cold character on 'Special Victims Unit'. Laura Rosquer charms too and they have great chemistry together. The acting on the whole is fine and the interaction always connected and never distant or uncomfortable looking. The characters are written realistically and in on the whole a not too perfect or overly flawed way (other than Miss Kat in regard to the latter), was very inspired by the two leads.

It is a good looking film, particularly the scenery. Regardless of the lack of authenticity, it is still beautiful as is the decor. The music has verve and variety and the dancing is full of energy and grace in very clever choreography that does so well embracing Latin dance and culture. The climax is enough to inspire anybody in the performing arts. The script is not too cheesy or schmaltzy and flows well. The story is very heart-warming and charming, with the social issues being really relatable and handled tactfully. The diversity is also done tastefully and to me its increase in recent Hallmark films been more than welcome, quite surprising that including it has become a criticism when those complaining about it now were complaining about there not being enough of it before.

Overall, very nicely done. 8/10.

I did not know what to expect going into this one and was pleasantly surprised to find out that it is more than just another take on the 'The Nutcracker' ballet. The Puerto Rican culture along with the mixing of ballet with salsa dancing is lovely to watch on screen. Moreover, 'Sugar Plum Twist' brings together a cast of fresh faces with performances that were entertaining and engaging. The story also had some noble underlining messages around cultural diversity, which were nice to see. The movie follows Natalia (played by Jamie Gray Hyder), a professional ballerina who has returned home to Richmond after an injury ended her career as a dancer. She now works as an assistant choreographer at the local ballet company, a studio she holds fond memories of growing up, hoping one day to become its resident choreographer. During an audition for the annual performance of the 'The Nutcracker' for the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Natalia meets Viviana (played by Laura Rosguer), one of the Richmond residents who auditioned for the part. Vivi's family owns a local dance studio where she teaches Salsa, but she has always dreamed of becoming a ballerina (Natalia being one of her heroes). Natalia is inspired by what she sees at Vivi's studio one evening, and so, they decide to work together to try to modernize the Christmas classic by adding a bit of a Latin twist. One of the elements I enjoyed about the movie is the dancing. Unlike some other Hallmark dance-based movies, the dancing in 'Sugar Plum Twist' is incorporated throughout the movie and is central to the storyline. Though the movie is sluggish at first, it picks up nicely as the story progresses with some strong dialogue, beautiful dancing, and a lot of holiday spirit and festive cheer. At one level, the story is a critique of ballet today; that is, ballet needs to change with the times (modernize). And in this story, modernizing is the mixing of (dance) cultures and traditions. At another level, the story is about the difficulties some dancers face in the ballet world or classic performing arts more broadly, and what it takes to overcome this. There is, of course, a romance story here, but it is secondary and serves mainly to supplement what I just mentioned. The acting, overall, is strong. Hyder and Rosguer both have solid performances. Rosguer has some dancing skills, which is a plus. They both have a couple of awkward acting movements but these were infrequent and did not take much away from their overall performance, I felt. The supporting cast is also very good, entertaining to watch on-screen. Though there is plenty of skill and energy in the final dance scene, which I enjoyed, there is not much ballet (and a lot of salsa) in the ballet and salsa sugar plum twist. Given that ballet is most popular in Russia - it's considered a 'state treasure' and is 'the dance of the Russian people' (rich and poor) - I would be curious to see how they felt about the mixing of ballet with salsa. Anyway, in addition to the dancing, there are plenty of Christmassy scenes that instill a bit of festive cheer. The (Puerto Rican) baked goodies at Vivi's parent's house looked delicious. All in all, if you enjoy (watching) dancing and are a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, look no further, this one is for you.

Honestly shocked and baffled by some of these ridiculous reviews. So because people like that Hallmark is diversifying their Christmas movies, and leaving good reviews that must mean they are paid for? Girl, bye.

Having a movie with people of color does not mean that this movie strays from Hallmarks, "good clean family Wholesome films". And yes, Latin dance and ballet actually do scream Christmas, because shocker other countries and people celebrate Christmas. I know it's a hard concept to grasp.

The acting is honestly no different than any other Hallmark movie. No one on Hallmark is going to win an Emmy or Oscar for their performance. And to be fair, they clearly cast for dancers and not actors, so yeah, their acting isn't going to be strong. They're dancers!

I've watched most of the movies this season, and this one actually has a pretty good story. You're following two "main" plots that make the movie a little more interesting. I love holiday movies that center around dancing and The Nutcracker.

I'm glad Hallmark is trying to reach a broader audience and making it more inclusive to other people. Some of these reviews actually sound like a character in the movie who doesn't like anything other than straight, classical ballet with zero variations.

Don't be swayed by these weirdly racist reviews of people who can't admit their views are old, outdated and kind of sad.

Also, this is not a paid review. Written by a girl who loves the cheese of hallmark movies.

This was ok. Hallmark still trying to pull in viewers by being more diverse in storyline and performers used.

Can't complain about that, but I feel the writing and storylines just aren't as strong as they used to be overall.

That comes with new staff and writers, so can't be helped.

Saw that someone said Hallmark used to show movies based on good clean fun.

What about this wasn't good clean fun?

Just because it wasn't your culture or race it was horrible?

It wasn't mine either, but that doesn't make it horrible or bad or "not good clean fun."

Overall this was an ok Holiday movie.

As always based on wishes, hard work, good people and romance.

I hope the writing and storylines get better, I can be patient.

Keep working at it Hallmark.

Don't worry so much about being PC.

Just make it about life in the world as it is today, but don't forget about the dreams and romance.

People went to Hallmark for the that and Prince Charmings. That should still be that core of your movies. Don't forget to focus on that.