Wendy Robinson

I actually enjoyed this movie. A young girl is dealing with the grief of losing her mother and lips into another realm. Disney clearly wanted to make a Harry Potter type movie, even to the owl and different worlds. It was well done I loved the scenery, costumes, and the connection to the Nutcracker. The opening with shots flying over a snowy scene with horse and carriages was brilliant. The hero reaching out to save the world was female! She was smart, able to fix things, and adventurous. I loved that. The soldier that stood up to help her was a black nutcracker who was brilliant. The one ballet dancer was also black and her partner was white. Thank you for that Disney as so many times my black daughter did not think she could be a ballerina because of her colour. Disney aced on that. The story line was weak at times, and other times the suspense had me on the edge of my seat. Warning, if you don't like mice close your eyes for a bit, but realize the mice turn out to be surprisingly integral to the plot. This movie might be frightening to younger children but for older kids, adults, and seniors it was worthwhile. I think it deserves a much higher rating.