Ben Stiller Finds Family Mayhem in David Gordon Green’s "Nutcrackers"
This holiday season, Ben Stiller trades in his usual comedic stylings for a heartwarming family dramedy, "Nutcrackers," directed by the ever-intriguing David Gordon Green.
Stiller plays Mike, a workaholic businessman suddenly thrust into the care of his four rambunctious nephews. Left orphaned, Justice (Homer Janson), Junior (Ulysses Janson), Samuel (Atlas Janson) , and Simon (Arlo Janson) have forged their own unconventional upbringing in their rural Ohio home. While overflowing with love and creative energy, their lives are a whirlwind of chaos, leaving their once-tidy farmhouse in disarray.
“Sometimes, though, a bunch of heartwarming bullshit is nonetheless part of someone’s artistic process," writes the AV Club, "Nutcrackers seems to be a part of Stiller’s, enticing him to his first starring role in seven years…"
Green, known for his genre-bending approach to filmmaking, brings a unique sensibility to this project, initially inspired by encountering the four Janson siblings, who brought a sense of "genuine wildness" to their interactions.
"What Green adds to the material is a sense of genuine wildness —and, at times, eerie ritual," " the publication continues.
Their unique lifestyle and unconventional upbringing punctuated by impromptu performances create both humor and moments of genuine heartache.
As Mike attempts to juggle his work responsibilities while navigating the complexities of parenting four spirited boys, he considers finding them a permanent home. But he also finds himself increasingly drawn to these unconventional kids, leading to hilarious clashes and unexpected moments of connection.
“Some of the kids’ anarchic antics are funny in a traditionally slapsticky, crowdpleasing sort of way," the AV Club notes. "(Green has cited movies like ‘Uncle Buck’ as an influence, though the parental-figure slobbiness is reversed here.)
One memorable sequence sees Mike bring the boys to a lavish Christmas party, desperate to impress a potential adoptive father. Adding another layer to the narrative, Mike also gets caught up in helping the boys prepare a unique rendition of "The Nutcracker" at their late mother’s dance studio.
"Mike might as well be talking to and about ghosts on the other end of his business calls. That the performance remains convincing is probably a tribute to the stealth professionalism Stiller conceals underneath his well-known shtick," the AV Club critiques.
Stiller manages to inject warmth and humor into his performance, highlighting the balance between frustration and unexpected affection he develops towards his newfound family. The boys, each with their own distinct personalities, deliver charming and often hilarious performances.
"It’s a shame such an unusually cinematic formula comedy has been consigned to Hulu for the holidays. The 35mm celluloid cinematography from Michael Simmonds gives the movie a lot of warmth, bringing out Green’s love of natural landscapes dotted by industrial decay.
Green even manages to bring ground-level lyricism into a dance-recital finale," praises the AV Club, concluding with:
"All told, Nutcrackers works well enough to overlook the few narrative shortcuts the movie takes… But for those who appreciate his combination of genuine eclecticism and instantly recognizable style should find the movie as a thoughtful gift."
Nutcrackers premieres on Hulu on November 29, 2024.
