I have seen this movie many times. Back then, it was a fun holiday movie. In retrospect, yeah, fun but it just wasn't the best work for Spike Brandt. He has worked on many of the direct-to-video animated Tom and Jerry movies. This one is his first Tom and Jerry movie. Sometimes, movies like this can be good and can be bad. It's just near a meh film to me. But I will note that this movie was the last animated production by Joseph Barbera before he died. This film is dedicated to his memory. I will say it is a thoughtful start for a film like this but again- I just never felt too engaged with it much.
The plot is basically The Nutcracker and the Mouse King story. Pretty much it but with a twist; Jerry and his pal Tuffy are pulled into the Nutcracker play and the toys come to life with Christmas magic. Meanwhile, the cats and their Cat King take over the Kingdom of the Toys. It is up to Jerry, Tuffy, and their new friends Paulie and Nelly to save the kingdom and the Ballerina from the Cat King and his cat army. As I said with the plot, it is your basic Nutcracker story.
The quality of the film is not too bad. I enjoy the animation. The art style of the characters is cute. It gives me a Disney and Looney Tunes look to it. It's unique but it has its flaws to be honest.
The writing for the entirety of the animated film, it's okay. The setting through the story is not too bad and it has its moments where it is magical to watch. The scene with the dragons and the fairy fire dancers was beautiful. The Nutcracker world opened up new horizons when the characters were blasted far away from the Toy Kingdom. I didn't mind The Toy Maker quest for the characters to set out on. Overall, there are only very few moments that I enjoyed.
The acting? Eh, it is fine. What's more to say?
The characters, I favor a few over the rest. A lot weren't interesting to care for. A heart warming but short development with one was Nelly the Toy Pony. The Toy Maker is your typical Santa Claus but it was nice to see him. I guess the last character I enjoyed was the Cat King because of his song and his tyrannical, stupid nature.
Speaking of the songs, I enjoyed the soundtrack of the movie. It is better than the rest of the film entirely. I enjoyed the Nutcracker instrumentals and the vocal soundtrack with the cats.
Furthermore, I guess for people who enjoy holiday films, I recommend a watch. Personally, I rather watch it once or twice and be done with it.
The plot is basically The Nutcracker and the Mouse King story. Pretty much it but with a twist; Jerry and his pal Tuffy are pulled into the Nutcracker play and the toys come to life with Christmas magic. Meanwhile, the cats and their Cat King take over the Kingdom of the Toys. It is up to Jerry, Tuffy, and their new friends Paulie and Nelly to save the kingdom and the Ballerina from the Cat King and his cat army. As I said with the plot, it is your basic Nutcracker story.
The quality of the film is not too bad. I enjoy the animation. The art style of the characters is cute. It gives me a Disney and Looney Tunes look to it. It's unique but it has its flaws to be honest.
The writing for the entirety of the animated film, it's okay. The setting through the story is not too bad and it has its moments where it is magical to watch. The scene with the dragons and the fairy fire dancers was beautiful. The Nutcracker world opened up new horizons when the characters were blasted far away from the Toy Kingdom. I didn't mind The Toy Maker quest for the characters to set out on. Overall, there are only very few moments that I enjoyed.
The acting? Eh, it is fine. What's more to say?
The characters, I favor a few over the rest. A lot weren't interesting to care for. A heart warming but short development with one was Nelly the Toy Pony. The Toy Maker is your typical Santa Claus but it was nice to see him. I guess the last character I enjoyed was the Cat King because of his song and his tyrannical, stupid nature.
Speaking of the songs, I enjoyed the soundtrack of the movie. It is better than the rest of the film entirely. I enjoyed the Nutcracker instrumentals and the vocal soundtrack with the cats.
Furthermore, I guess for people who enjoy holiday films, I recommend a watch. Personally, I rather watch it once or twice and be done with it.