The Nutcracker and the Four Realms: A Mom’s Review

Thinking about taking your children to The Nutcracker and the Four Realms? I'm telling you what you need to know as a parent…..and what ages the film is appropriate for!

Ok, we saw it.  Last night our entire family was invited to the Disney Studios lot here in LA to screen The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.  If I'm being honest, I wasn't SURE about how Lydia would feel about the film.  She LOVES anything ballet related, but there were a few scenes from the previews that looked a little scary.  And it IS rated PG.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms: A Mom's Review

Our plan? Was to watch the movie all together, and if anything was too scary…..for Robbie to take her out into the lobby.  We watched the previews together beforehand…..and decided that Mother Ginger (played by the amazing Helen Mirren) might be a little creepy.  So we were prepared for a speedy exit if needed.

What Actually Happened? There were TWO parts that Lydia was a little scared by (both scenes took place in the middle of the movie when Clara went to the Fourth Realm).  Nothing horrific happened, it's just a little CREEPY.  Lydia didn't want to leave, but she did ask to sit on our laps. My Suggestion? If you have a kiddo who scares easily, the first time Clara enters the Fourth Realm is a perfect time to take a restroom break.  The scene is short, and most creepy because of the incredible music.  It adds to the suspense in the scene…..but once Clara actually meets Mother Ginger…..nothing terribly scary happens.

My thoughts on the film as a whole?  The movie is STUNNING.  Absolutely beautiful.  If you watched the Nutcracker ballet as a child, danced in it, or just love the music….you'll love seeing this.  Misty Copeland performs in multiple parts of the film (spoiler alert…..be sure to stay for the credits because you see additional footage of her and it's BREATHTAKING).  She is an absolute goddess, and her participation was my favorite part of the film.  Lydia talked about her the entire way home, and I'm so so so glad that she was a part of this movie.  The music? Is wonderful.  I love that they integrated parts of Tschaikovsky's Nutcracker into the score and added in some amazing new music as well.  Yes, take your children to see it.  It's a beautiful holiday film, and a great family film.

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS opens in theatres everywhere on November 2nd!