3.5 stars
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Madalen Mills, Ricky Martin, Anika Noni Rose, Phylicia Rashad, Hugh Bonneville, Justin Cornwell and Lisa Davina Phillip
Rating: PG, for no particular reason
Opulent musical fantasy is laden with seasonal charm
By Derrick Bang
This is an impressive slice of holiday razzle-dazzle.
The tag line for writer/director David E. Talbert’s opulent fantasy promises that viewers will “discover a world of wishes and wonder,” and that’s an understatement. This often breathtaking blend of “Alice in Wonderland,” “Babes in Toyland” and “Hugo” also seems to be gunning for the seasonal crown long worn by “The Wizard of Oz.”