A Christmas classic gets a modern twist in the “The Hip Hop Nutcracker.” Reverend Run from Run-DMC guides this hip hop reimagining of the immensely popular ballet with a New York City backdrop. Maria-Clara is trying to rekindle her parents lost love at the New Year’s Eve Block Party and have them kiss before the clock strikes midnight. It’s definitely the most imaginative version of the Nutcracker I have ever seen.

I didn’t expect to like this special as much as I did. The Nutcracker has never been my favorite Christmas story. I really don’t care much for ballet, and hip hop is far from my favorite genre of music. But, for 45 minutes, it was rather enjoyable. While hip hop isn’t my favorite, I have always enjoyed the music of Run-DMC. Reverend Run’s appearances in this special were my favorite parts. He showed up to rap exposition to advance the story beyond what we saw in the dances. I don’t know if it was because it’s from one of the hip hop artists that I’m very fond of, or if it’s because he was advancing the plot, but I loved seeing and hearing Reverend Run.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t speak about the talent of those involved in the dances. As I said, I don’t care about ballet or dancing in general, but I thoroughly enjoyed the mixture of ballet with hip hop dancing. Again, it might be because it wasn’t too long, but I really liked it.

I would definitely be willing to check out another Hip hop reimagining of other famous ballets or dances, especially if Reverend Run is involved. Maybe next time he could get DMC to help out as well. When I saw it on Disney+, I wasn’t too thrilled with giving it a shot, but I’m glad I did. It opened up my horizons to another avenue. Maybe it’ll do the same for you.

Rating: 3 stars

What did you think of “The Hip Hop Nutcracker?”

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Jeremy Brown

Jeremy has been a big Disney fan since he was a kid growing up during the Disney Renaissance. One day he hopes to go to every Disney Park in the world.

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