Mackenzie Foy: Despite Mackenzie Foy’s best efforts to make Clara a spirited girl trying to find her place in the real, and fantasy world, she’s weighed down by groan-inducing dialogue that’s all exposition and little heart.

Morgan Freeman: She sets out to ask her godfather Drosselmeyer about this mysterious gift. Little does she know that he has powers of his own

Helen Mirren: He leads her to a fantasy world where the Land of Sweets, Land of Snowflakes, and Land of Flowers have banished Mother Ginger for her treacherous actions.

Keira Knightley: Tries to infuse some enthusiasm into Sugar Plum but ends up being sickeningly sweet

Story: Clara is transported into a strange and mysterious parallel world where four realms are at war with each other.

Cinematography: Average

Screenplay: Mundane

Direction: Co-directors Lasse Hallstrom and Joe Johnston fumble with a convoluted plot that’s riddled with glaring holes throughout. Devoid of any thrills and excitement, it’s doubtful that even the core younger audience will be engaged enough to sit through this one.

The Nutcracker and the four realms (2018): Disney’s ‘The Nutcracker and The Four Realms’ clearly falls into the ‘misfire’ category. Known predominantly to be a musical presentation, this rendition practically skips that approach altogether to focus on visual pageantry, a gimmick that soon outlasts its welcome. Despite all the eye-candy, the film is utterly dreary with little character to drive a predictable plot.

Review by Shreya Ghosh