Ben Stiller stars in lackluster Christmas comedy release

Nutcrackers, directed by David Gordon Green, premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and aims to capture the essence of beloved 80s comedies. The film features Ben Stiller in his first leading role since 2017, portraying Michael, a city-based workaholic who inherits the responsibility of his late sister's four sons after a tragic accident. The setting shifts to a dilapidated farm in rural Ohio, where Michael's initial disdain for the chaotic household gradually transforms as he engages with the boys. Despite the film's promising premise, it heavily relies on tired stereotypes, portraying the city life as negative and family life as positive. The screenplay, written by Leland Douglas, lacks the humor and emotional depth necessary to elevate the story beyond its formulaic structure. Green's attempts to infuse the film with his unique style only serve to highlight the disconnection between the direction and the script. As the narrative progresses towards a climactic Christmas show, the film struggles to deliver meaningful insights into grief and family dynamics. The emotional moments feel forced and unconvincing, leaving audiences with a sense of hollowness. Ultimately, Nutcrackers represents a missed opportunity for both the director and Stiller, who had previously focused on more substantial projects. The film's failure to resonate with viewers underscores the challenges of reviving traditional comedy in a contemporary context, where audiences expect more than just nostalgic references. Nutcrackers stands as a reminder of the difficulties in balancing heartfelt storytelling with comedic elements in modern cinema.