Just watched it, it's more a sequel to the story of The Nutcracker. I liked it, but I can see how others would be turned off by it. It's more in line with the new Alice films, except the protagonist being Clara the daughter of Marie instead of Marie herself.

My wife and I liked it quite a bit. It isn't the ballet and I think that may be why so many don't like it.

I liked it in the Disney context, quite *predictable * and having some troubles with the script (specially related with secondary characters) but a fairy tail story with nice art. Recommended for children, so they can dream in nice and wonderful worlds. Ballet (as a dance) is not very present in the film... I was a bit disappointed that they didn't dance too much or a ballet wasn't more important. They just mention it as a kind of way to explain stories.

HOT LOUD GARBAGE...PERIOD.