Ben Stiller's new holiday movie, "Nutcrackers," presents a unique experience as he defies the old Hollywood warning by working with both children and animals. The film showcases the effortless banter and good-natured ribbing between the 58-year-old actor and his young co-stars.

Uniting the Magic of Holiday and Family on the Silver Screen

Ben Stiller's Journey with the Janson Brothers

In "Nutcrackers," Ben Stiller takes on the role of career-obsessed Michael, tasked with watching over his four rowdy and suddenly parentless nephews. The unique gift of this movie lies in how director David Gordon Green met the four Janson brothers while visiting a friend's farm. Stiller was initially intrigued by the idea and quickly got involved.This wasn't just any movie production; it was a homegrown affair with the familiar family farm serving as the location. The Jansons took to filming like ducks to water, feeling at ease in their own environment. As Stiller recalls, "These guys live in that house you see, so they'd yell cut, but the cats and guinea pigs and dogs and goats were still around."

The Transformation of the Janson Brothers

From acting neophytes, the Janson brothers quickly became savvy pros. At first, they were confused by the filmmaking lingo, but by the end, they were well-versed in it. Homer Janson shares, "At first, we'd say, 'Step on your mark,' and they'd be like, 'What's a mark?' But by the end, they're like, 'That's a 30-mm lens, and he's going to do coverage and get an over-the-shoulder (shot).'"The boys also discovered the perks of being on set, like the free breakfast burritos every morning. Homer Janson laughs as he recalls, "It's supposed to look like four boys have been living on their own, so we made sure it did."

The Future of the Janson Brothers

After their success in "Nutcrackers," what's next for the ballet-dancing Janson brothers? As Homer Janson reveals, "We're actually practicing for a performance of the real 'Nutcracker' now, which will take place in the same local theater as in the movie."Stiller, now their manager, jokes about owning their life rights. But the boys seem to enjoy the experience, as Uli Janson says, "Ben is so nice, he's so amazing."For Homer, Stiller's best movies include "Tropic Thunder" and "Zoolander," and he'll soon be adding another to the list. Stiller himself plays along, adding a comedic touch to the interactions.In conclusion, "Nutcrackers" is a heartwarming movie that showcases the magic of working with children and animals and the bonds that form on set.