Rise of the Guardians (FILM REVIEW)
Rise of the Guardians
Film Review
by Kam Williams
Mythological Figures Fight for Kids’ Innocence in Enchanting Animated Adventure
When the Boogeyman (Jude Law) hatches
a diabolical plan to dash the dreams of sugarplums dancing in tykes’ heads and to
steal baby teeth left under their pillows at bedtime, it’s clear that something
must be done. For, if left unchecked, it’ll just be a matter of time before the
evil schemer will quash kids’ belief in the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher), Santa Claus (Alec Baldwin), the Easter Bunny (Hugh
Jackman) and the Sandman.
Fortunately,
these beloved mythical figures have already united to fight their longtime
adversary by forming the Guardians, an association dedicated to the preservation
of the innocence, imagination and sense of wonder of children all over the world. And
at the direction of their sage inspirational leader, the Man in the Moon, they proceed
to implore Jack Frost (Chris Pine) to sign-on as an indispensable addition to their
ragtag team.
Initially,
Jack proves a rather reluctant superhero, between his immaturity and a traumatic
feeling of inadequacy resulting from his invisibility. But he ultimately succumbs
to his earnest confederates’ relentless pressuring that, “You cannot say no!”
and “It is destiny!”
With
greatness thus thrust upon him, will Jack rise to the occasion to spearhead the
charge against the Boogeyman? That is the pivotal question posed by the premise
of Rise of the Guardians, an enchanting fairytale loosely based on “The
Guardians of Childhood” series of best-sellers by William Joyce.
This
action-oriented, animated adventure marks the auspicious directorial debut of veteran
storyboard artist Peter Ramsey who makes novel enough use of state-of-the-art 3-D
technology here to warrant an investment in goggles for an amplified enjoyment
of all the eye-popping, special f/x. Nevertheless, at heart, the picture remains
a sweet story with a universal message about the importance of protecting
children’s innocence.
Although
aimed at the very impressionable, still-believing demographic, Rise of the
Guardians is apt to resonate with kids of any age with an intact sense of wonder
and awe. Yes,
Virginia, there is not only a Santa Claus, but a Tooth Fairy, a Jack Frost, an
Easter Bunny, and a Sandman, too.
Excellent
(3.5 stars)
Rated PG for mature themes and scary action sequences
Running time: 97 minutes
Distributor: Dreamworks
Pictures
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