The Hip Hop Nutcracker

Just like the original ballet Nutcracker, the story here doesn't make much sense; also like the original Nutcracker, the dancing and music is so spectacular, the plot is kind of beside the point. In in The Hip Hop Nutcracker the hip-hop-ified versions of Tchaikovsky's 1890s masterpiece are super fun (including a superb slow jam version of "March of the Toy Soldiers"). The dancers are some of the world's best in hip-hop, breakdancing, popping and locking, and more. The Mouse King (Jean Sok) is an incredible disabled dancer who uses crutches in his acrobatic breaking. "Fik-shun" Stegall is an adorable Nutcracker, and the creepy grandfather Drosselmeyer character gets an upgrade when played by a charismatic young woman. Many kids and adults will delight in the clever twists and changes in this adaptation. It's also refreshing to see a Nutcracker featuring a cast made up almost entirely of people of color and that celebrates hip-hop music and culture.

On the other hand, younger kids obsessed with the traditional Nutcracker may not appreciate the lack of tutus and decidedly creepy masks the Jabbawockeez snowflakes wear. The plot also places too much emphasis on Maria-Clara's parents. It also relies on the tired and problematic "bringing divorced parents back together" trope. The incredible Maria-Clara/Nutcracker chemistry was much more compelling, but they sadly didn't get enough screen time. There is also weird on-screen text explaining parts of the story, which feels heavy-handed and strange for a dance performance. While The Hip Hop Nutcracker does have some flaws, it's still worthy of being added into families' yearly holiday movie rotation.