Common Sense Media Review
By Tracy Moore
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Silly twist on the classic adds veggies and goofiness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Nuttiest Nutcracker
What's the Story?
Maria's parents won't be home for Christmas, but her uncle's gift, a nutcracker prince, transports Maria off to a magical dreamland that night in her sleep. There, she meets Reginald the Rat King (voiced by James Belushi), the Sugar Plum Fairy (Phyllis Diller), and an assortment of nuts, fruits, and veggies battling it out for dominance. Maria must help beat the rat army, reclaim the star for the top of the Christmas tree, and save the holiday from Reginald's evil plans.
Is It Any Good?
THE NUTTIEST NUTCRACKER is not widely available for a reason -- it's a bit cobbled together, only loosely follows the original story, and features dated animation. But kids who enjoy Christmas stories may be enthralled with this battle among fruits, veggies, and nuts, and a rat king who will stop at nothing to win. There are some silly flatulence jokes and lots of veggie army action. Plus, there are some good lessons about helping others and having a good attitude, even when things don't work out as you wish. And, with a resolution about helping those who've hurt you, it's a good message for the season, even if it's unlikely to keep parents all that entertained.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Nutcracker. Have you seen the original story? How are the original and this version different? How are they the same?
How does your family get into the spirit of the holidays?
Have you ever forgiven someone who was unkind to you? How did it make you feel? How did you work it out?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 19, 1999
- Cast : Cheech Marin , Phyllis Diller , Jim Belushi
- Director : Harold Harris
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Holidays , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 48 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : May 28, 2026
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