Nutcrackers Review: Ben Stiller and David Gordon Green Deliver a Heartwarming Holiday Tale
Key Takeaways:
- David Gordon Green’s versatility shines again in this formulaic yet heartwarming dramedy, blending chaos and charm in a holiday setting.
- Ben Stiller’s return to comedy is delightful, especially alongside the Janson brothers, whose performances steal the show.
- Nutcrackers embraces its simplicity, offering a feel-good holiday movie that delivers laughs, emotion, and a dash of nostalgia.
David Gordon Green has always been a filmmaker full of surprises. With a career that spans from indie darlings like George Washington and All the Real Girls, to cult comedies like Pineapple Express and gritty dramas like Joe, his directorial repertoire feels like a collection of eclectic mixtapes. More recently, Green dove into the horror genre with his Halloween trilogy and The Exorcist: Believer. But now, Green has pivoted yet again, delivering Nutcrackers, a heartwarming family dramedy starring Ben Stiller in his first film role since 2017.
In Nutcrackers, Green sets aside his penchant for genre-bending experimentation to embrace a formulaic yet irresistibly charming holiday story. The result? A crowd-pleaser that doesn’t reinvent the wheel but spins it just enough to keep audiences engaged.
What Is Nutcrackers About?
At its core, Nutcrackers tells the story of Mike (Ben Stiller), a big-city real estate mogul who reluctantly becomes the guardian of his four rambunctious nephews after his estranged sister’s sudden passing. Set against the backdrop of small-town Ohio, Mike’s plans for a quick return to his fast-paced Chicago life are derailed by the chaos of these four boys, who seem to live in their own world of freewheeling anarchy.
Mike’s nephews played by real-life brothers Homer, Ulysses, Arlo, and Atlas Janson are the heart and soul of the film. These wild, lovable kids have taken over their ramshackle home, which is littered with dirty dishes, loose animals, and a general sense of disarray. Their antics range from sneaking into carnivals to breaking rides and eating meals made entirely of cheese balls and ketchup. Mike’s initial attempts to control the chaos only further highlight the clash between his uptight persona and their untamed energy.
The local child services worker, Gretchen (played by Linda Cardellini), provides a potential love interest for Mike while also serving as the story’s voice of reason. As she struggles to find a foster home willing to take in all four boys, Mike faces a moral dilemma: Should he prioritize his lucrative career or take responsibility for the family he never thought he’d have to care for?
A Familiar Story That Still Warms the Heart
Let’s be honest Nutcrackers doesn’t break new ground. If you’ve seen a holiday dramedy, you probably know where this one is heading. The distant city slicker reluctantly warms up to small-town life, learns the true meaning of family, and grows into a better person. Throw in a dash of holiday cheer, a budding romance, and a big climactic act of love, and you’ve got a recipe that’s as familiar as your grandma’s Christmas cookies.
But as David Gordon Green himself said before the film’s premiere, Nutcrackers isn’t trying to subvert expectations. Instead, it leans into the formula, using it as a vehicle for heartfelt storytelling. This is a movie designed to make you laugh, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
And in that regard, Nutcrackers succeeds.
Ben Stiller Shines in a Nostalgic Role
Ben Stiller, who hasn’t graced the big screen since Brad’s Status in 2017, makes a triumphant return in Nutcrackers. Here, he channels the deadpan comedic energy that made him a household name in films like Meet the Parents. As Mike, Stiller oscillates between exasperation and reluctant affection, delivering a performance that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
One standout scene involves Mike attempting to tell the boys a bedtime story. When they demand something violent and gory, Mike improvises by recounting the plot of First Blood, much to their delight and later, their horror. Stiller’s comedic timing is spot-on, especially when paired with the Janson brothers’ chaotic energy.
The Janson Brothers Steal the Show
While Stiller anchors the film, it’s the four Janson brothers who steal the spotlight. Their natural chemistry and mischievous antics bring an authentic sense of sibling camaraderie to the screen. Whether they’re driving donuts in Mike’s Ferrari or debating the correct terminology for male anatomy in an unexpectedly hilarious home-school lesson, the Janson brothers deliver some of the film’s funniest and most memorable moments.
It’s worth noting that their performances feel refreshingly unscripted. Whether due to improvisation or Green’s direction, the boys’ interactions feel genuine, as if we’re watching real siblings wreak havoc rather than child actors following a script.
A Third Act That Stumbles but Ultimately Lands
If Nutcrackers has a weak spot, it’s the third act. The climax, which involves a rushed attempt to tie up all the narrative threads, feels a bit haphazard. There’s a sense that the film is scrambling to deliver the requisite “big emotional payoff,” and while it works in the moment, it lacks the finesse of the earlier scenes.
That said, the emotional core of the story the evolving relationship between Mike and his nephews remains intact. By the time the credits roll, the film leaves you with a sense of closure and warmth, even if the final moments feel slightly contrived.
David Gordon Green’s Latest Reinvention
For a director as unpredictable as David Gordon Green, Nutcrackers is yet another surprising pivot. Unlike his horror reboots or his genre-defying indie films, Nutcrackers plays things safe. Yet, in doing so, Green proves that he can excel even within the confines of a straightforward family dramedy.
Green’s decision to make a film “without viciousness or cynicism” is evident in every frame. This isn’t a movie that’s trying to challenge or subvert it’s a movie that wants to comfort and entertain. And in today’s increasingly cynical world, that’s a welcome change of pace.
The Verdict
Nutcrackers is a shaggy, formulaic, and undeniably charming film that leans into its clichés with confidence. Ben Stiller’s comedic chops, the Janson brothers’ infectious energy, and David Gordon Green’s heartfelt direction combine to create a holiday movie that feels like a warm hug.
Sure, it’s predictable. But sometimes, especially during the holiday season, that’s exactly what you want.
FAQ
1. Is Nutcrackers appropriate for family viewing?
While Nutcrackers is a family dramedy, it does include some mature humor, such as jokes about anatomy and scenes of chaotic mischief. Parents may want to preview it before watching with younger children.
2. Where can I watch Nutcrackers?
Nutcrackers is now available to stream on Hulu in the U.S.
3. Is this a typical Ben Stiller comedy?
Not quite. While Stiller brings his signature deadpan humor, Nutcrackers leans more into heartfelt family dynamics than outright comedy.
4. How does this compare to David Gordon Green’s other work?
Unlike Green’s horror films or experimental dramas, Nutcrackers is a straightforward family dramedy. It’s closer in spirit to his earlier indie films but with a more accessible, mainstream appeal.
5. Are the Janson brothers real siblings?
Yes! Homer, Ulysses, Arlo, and Atlas Janson are real-life brothers, and their natural chemistry adds authenticity to their performances.
