Rise of the Guardians

Cast: Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher, Jude Law; Direction: Peter Ramsey; Screenplay: David Lindsay-Abaire; Producer: Christina Steinberg
Nancy Bernstein; Music: Alexansew Desplat; Genre: Animation; Running Time: 97 minutes; Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Technical Assessment:  3.5

Moral Assessment:  4

CINEMA Rating: GP (for viewers of all ages)

In the animated world, mythical characters are real and assigned to protect certain aspects of childhood. North, better known as Santa Claus  (voiced by Alec Baldwin) and guardian of wonder, is alerted when Pitch or the Boogie Man (Jude Law), keeper of nightmares, threatens to overtake the children with fear to avenge his own disbelieved-in state. So North calls in the other guardians to defeat Pitch. The guardians include Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher), guardian of dreams, Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman), guardian of hope and Sandman, guardian of dreams. However, the guardians’ attempts to stop Pitch fail and one after the other they are overtaken and children lose faith in them. In a last ditch effort, North tries to swear in Jack Frost (Chris Pine), guardian of fun and spirit of winter, to help them defeat Pitch and save the children. But Frost needs a lot of convincing as he has remained invisible due to children’s disbelief in him until he discovers his past life and his heroism that merited his being chosen as a guardian.

Rise of the Guardians is a well told well-crafted animated film. The plot and narrative are fluid and tight. Characterization is enhanced by powerful performances from seasoned actors. Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes and the imagination as it seamlessly blends technical ingenuity with craftsmanship. The film is captivatingly entertaining both for the intended young viewers and their adult companions.

Most films meant for children carry with them a strong message of hope, love and unity. Rise of the Guardians does this as well in a very enchanting manner as it makes a play on childhood characters even adults love to continually cling to. The film reiterates the need to protect children with fantasy characters but at the same time it reinforces their faith in a higher being. Unity, commitment to one’s duties and courage are values displayed by the guardians in their quest to defeat Pitch and protect the children of the world. In doing so, the film teaches children that good will always prevail with teamwork and dedication.