Watch The Nutcracker in 3D

The Nutcracker in 3D is a 2010 fantasy-horror musical movie directed by Andrei Konchalovsky with a runtime of 110 minutes. The film is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann's classic children's story, 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.' Unlike the traditional Nutcracker adaptations, the film combines live-action actors with computer-generated imagery (CGI) and 3D animation.

The movie kicks off with a lively introduction by the narrator (Frances de la Tour), who introduces us to Mary (Elle Fanning), a young girl who lives with her parents in Vienna. Her godfather, Albert Einstein (Nathan Lane), is a toy shop owner who has crafted a unique Nutcracker doll for Mary, which she cherishes. After a freak accident in the toy store, Mary is transported to a magical wonderland where she meets the Nutcracker (Charlie Rowe), who has come to life.

In this enchanted world, Mary discovers that the ruler of the land is the legendary Rat King (John Turturro), who has outlawed toys, music, and laughter. He is backed by his army of rats, who work tirelessly to make sure no one in the kingdom is happy. The Nutcracker, along with his army of toy soldiers and Mary, goes on a mission to end the Rat King's reign and bring joy back to the kingdom.

As Mary journeys through this magical world, she encounters some peculiar characters – a flamboyant mouse (Eugenio Derbez), a trio of crows (Robin Cousins), and a mystical owl (Frances de la Tour) who all play important roles in her quest to rescue the kingdom. She also meets the Nutcracker's nephew, Prince Philip (Richard Philipps), who has been transformed into a wooden puppet by the Rat King.

Throughout the movie, there are various musical numbers that feature classic songs such as 'The Nutcracker Suite' and 'Sugar Plum Fairy.' These songs, combined with the impressive 3D imagery, create a truly immersive experience for the audience.

The story also has some underlying themes such as the importance of imagination, the battle between good and evil, and the power of music. It's a film that is targeted towards children, but still manages to appeal to adults.

The performances in the movie are overall admirable, and the young actors, Elle Fanning and Charlie Rowe, have great chemistry, even if some of the performances are a bit overacted at times. The CGI and 3D animation are well-executed, and the set design and costumes also deserve a mention for being visually stunning.

One of the most notable aspects of the movie is John Turturro's portrayal of the Rat King. Turturro, who is known for his serious roles, delivers a delightfully over-the-top performance as the villainous Rat King. His comedic timing is a highlight of the movie, and he brings much-needed humor to the story.

However, despite its strengths, The Nutcracker in 3D has received mixed reviews from critics, with some criticizing the film's dark tone and its departure from the traditional Nutcracker storyline. Additionally, some viewers found the musical numbers to be underwhelming compared to previous Nutcracker adaptations.

In conclusion, The Nutcracker in 3D is an ambitious retelling of the classic story with some notable performances and impressive 3D imagery. Although it deviates from the traditional Nutcracker tale, it still manages to capture the spirit of the holiday season and the importance of imagination. Whether or not you should watch it will ultimately depend on whether you are a fan of the classic Nutcracker story or prefer something new and adventurous.