Barbie in the Nutcracker (2001)

You won't be disappointed!

Memorable, crazy movie

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

I am 16, and I am not afraid to say, that this is the best Barbie movie, absolutely perfect for kids and adults alike. Sure it isn't at all faithful to the beautiful immortal story by ETA Hoffmann, but that shouldn't be an excuse for not enjoying this beautiful film. The animation is gorgeous, and the film itself is severely underrated. The best animation sequence was the fantastic ballet duet between Clara and Eric, when it is revealed so cleverly that she is the Sugar Plum Princess. The music, adapted from the Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky was the best thing about the movie. I recognised every single piece played, and it perfectly matched the animation, which hardly ever happens in non-Disney movies. The story was based on the ballet, and they so cleverly extended it to keep the audience's interests. It has a fast-paced story line, that completely gripped me. Great voice talents as well. Kelly Sheridan and Kirby Morrow are wonderful and deliver the screenplay perfectly. Tim Curry steals the show as the Mouse King, both sinister and funny at the same time. He did everything possible with the witty screenplay, which had lots of humour. (seen especially with the relationship between Major Mint and Captain Candy, who were hilarious) Fantastic! Compulsory for young ballet lovers.10/10Bethany Cox

I was amazed to see the low rating this movie was given! My daughter absolutely loves it. The movie highlights real ballet steps and the original Tchaikovsky score, performed by th London Symphony. The plot is sweet, Barbie is a good role model, and there's a wonderful message. It also almost completely non-violent. The evil rat is wonderfully voiced by Tim Curry. I thought this Barbie movie was much better than Rapunzel but it's certainly rated lower. I have to echo some other comments by saying I've seen it around 100 times with my 2 year old and it's still not completely boring!

As I sat through this movie with my girlfriend and her nieces, I became gradually aware of how this film succeeds: it's invincible. Completely critic-proof. What can I say against this movie, exactly? Whine about how I don't like Barbie? It's basically a modernized (and nauseatingly politically correct) take on The Nutcracker, throwing Barbie into one of the lead roles for pretty much no reason (unless you count bankability). Of course, it's a kids' flick, and relies on sparse, simple dialogue and spare editing to convey the action. It definitely works well; the girls ate it up and came back for seconds. This is a rather interesting computer-animated movie. While it's noticeably lower-budget than Toy Story and Shrek, the visuals have a sort of subtle charm. The vast landscapes are quietly serene and beautiful without becoming overwhelming. Sometimes the motion-captured characters are placed against a flat 2D background, giving one severe flashbacks to the early days of the Playstation. Bottom line: If you're a girl age four to ten, you'll likely enjoy every minute. Barbie's voice actress and Tim Curry as the Rat King are worth noting.

Although I've watched only the last half of this picture (browsing the TV accidentally on a Xmas afternoon), it caught my attention and I've got involved aesthetically and emotionally into the classical plot and superb musical score by Tchaikowsky. Computerized animation (not at all excessive neither overwhelming) made possible unimaginable camera flights, achieving points of view that no privileged spectator can afford, accompanying the lifelike ballet or making possible exquisite sceneries. I've never played with Barbie doll, but this one doesn't look like plastic and surely touched my heart! Get many handkerchiefs ready...