REVIEW: NUTCRACKERS

3.5/5

Meet The Jansons

104 Mins. Starring: Ben Stiller, Linda Cardellini, Homer Janson, Ulysses Janson, Atlas Janson, Arlo Janson, Toby Huss, Edi Patterson & Tim Heidecker. Screenplay: Leland Douglas. Director: David Gordon Green. On: Hulu & Disney +.

'Drive' with Ben Stiller this weekend, and we'll finally hear the long-awaited 'Lana' 'SOS' deluxe from SZA, with the 'Dodgeball' and 'Night At The Museum' actor starring in the lead single's lip-syncing music video, tuning his radio in to some real carpool karaoke. Drive with the 'Meet The Parents' actor and New York Knicks superfan (who really needs to direct a documentary on the comeback trail of the NBA team with some of his Madison Square Garden courtside iPhone filmed shots), in a yellow Porsche to the farmland, and you'll find 'Nutcrackers' under the tree. A perfect 'Greenberg' meets 'Uncle Buck' movie that's more in line with the 'Zoolander' actor and 'Tropic Thunder' director's work on the likes of 'The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty', 'While We're Young' and 'The Meyerowitz Stories' on Netflix. An offbeat and outstanding ode to family, just in time for Christmas. Yet this nutcracker and the four busting his balls, is not just the Ben Stiller show. No matter how fondly he brings the family feeling, off the beaten track and with no Hollywood fluff. 

This is all about the Jansons...and the kids are more than alright. Despite their characters losing their mother, as uncle Ben steps in. Introducing the inspired, Homer Janson, Ulysses Janson, Atlas Janson and Arlo Janson. Four fantastic boys, two terrific twins, who are all stars of the future. Especially when it comes to Homer's odyssey. One part, 'Billy Elliott', all dancing in honour for the ladies in his life. The first crush, who he wants as his first kiss. His late mother, who he still knows, is watching every step. "The holidays can drive you nuts", the classic Christmas poster of 'Nutcrackers' say, but these children are cracking good fun as they tie Stiller up in fairy light knots. Chasing chickens and busted baubles from a fallen tree as the always amazing Linda Cardellini's ('Dead To Me', 'ER') social worker looks on with a Christmas cap, clutching documents she hopes Ben adopts. But is there more there with the 'Daddy's Home' and 'Hawkeye', Christmas special star? After all, that's what the holidays are all about.

Premiering on Hulu and Disney Plus, November 29th (yeah, we're a little late wrapping this gift of a film up, thank SZA for the reminder to get it done like 'The Cable Guy'), after opening the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, this David Gordon Green ('Pineapple Express', 'The Sitter') directed delight (with a script by Leland Douglas) also features nice turns from Toby Huss, Edi Patterson and Tim Heidecker. Especially when it comes to the fuss at the Huss house, away in a manger, no ice cream cone crib for a bed. Gordon Green is one of the most versatile directors in the game. Nic Cage in 'Joe'. Al Pacino in 'Manglehorn'. A 'Stronger' Jake Gyllenhaal. The horrors of a 'Halloween' trilogy, co-wrote with frequent collaborator and 'Your Highness' (now, that's truly terrifying) star Danny McBride, but he hits the sweet spot here. From the Windy City of Chicago, to rural Ohio, you'll want to foster this one, people. This comedy drama dance really is the better nutcracker. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Nutcracking: 'Meet The Parents', 'Uncle Buck', 'Greenberg'.