Stars (Vocally) Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, Isla FIsher, Dakota Goyo and Hugh Jackman Directed by Peter Ramsey Was this ever going to be an easy sell? You've got very iconic Western based holiday icons that may or may not be recognised anywhere else appearing in the movie. Okay, so maybe kids around the world would recognise Santa Claus, although, probably not like this. It's a very unique design choice to veer away from the typical jolly big guy (probably still owned by the Coca-Cola Company). In fact, he's not called Santa Claus at all but simply referred to as "North" In the original series of books, "The Guardians of Childhood", he's called Nicholas St.North. The other children might call him Santa, but it doesn't really matter here. The same applies to the other major characters, Bunny (or the Easter Bunny, or E. Aster Bunnymund in the books) and Tooth (the Tooth Fairy or Toothiana). Only The Sandman retains his name and general appearance from the books. Tooth has pretty much the same colour scheme, but the design for the movie is absolutely gorgeous. Our way into this world is through the eyes of Jack Frost (Chris Pine) as he comes into being right at the start. He doesn't know quite who he is or what his purpose is, but there is an exuberant joy in his being that he wants to share with others… if only they could see him. When an ancient evil threatens the world, Jack is recruited by the Guardians, North (Alec Bladwin), Bunny (Hugh Jackman), Tooth (Isla Fisher) and The Sandman (a mute character), to join them in the battle against Pitch (Jude Law) a.k.a. The Boogeyman (or The NIghtmare King in the books). For Jack, it turns out he might have more in common with Pitch than he has with the other Guardians. The core of the story is very much Jack's 'hero's journey' as he tries to find his place in the world. The beats are all there and Pine does a great job in voicing the character, taking in the range of emotions the character goes through as he makes the various discoveries along the way. The rest of the cast do fairly well. Hugh Jackman playing up his natural accent and getting some of the funnier lines. Isla FIsher is a joy as Tooth, taking on a flighty rendition much like the character. Jude Law is menacing as can be as Pitch while Alec Baldwin takes on a booming, if somewhat paternal, Russian accent as North. This is in line with the origins of the character in the books, although how well it is received by audiences is a whole other thing. Despite being mute, Sandy - The Sandman - pretty much steals every scene he's in. The design and animation of his abilities are beautiful and wondrous on screen, playing into the 3D effectively well. The texture of the sand practically pops, showcasing some impressive technology at work there. The colours and photography, advised by cinematographer extraordinaire, Roger Deakins, give the movie a magical aura, even when it gets dark in some scenes. The design works also extends to the amazing colours of Tooth and her little helpers. The feathers are incredibly detailed as are elements in the world created within the movie. From North's workshop with the hapless elves and hardworking Yetis, to Bunny's tunnels and base, Tooth's world above the clouds and even the 'real world' of the children who are so important to the story. The pace of the action is fast, furious and sometimes frenetic, which my be trying too hard to impress what is capable of the technology. As much as I love the character designs, the production design, the colours, the cinematography, the amazing music by Alexandre Desplat, the effects, the action and even the 3D, it comes down to the story that is presented. Jack's search for his identity, a place where he belongs and just one person to believe in him, very much at the core of every child and the child inside each one of us. It is a very established world we're being thrown into, but there in lies the wonder and the magic. It does reward multiple viewing, and while Guillermo del Toro serves as Executive Producer (as does original creator, William Joyce), you can also sense Steven Spielberg's influence. That's not a bad combination for some family entertainment. Dreamworks Animation / PDI have been doing really well these last few years in establishing their identity and breaking away from the typical in-jokes that peppered the likes of Shrek and Madagascar (and hopefully, those are really done and over with). You know you're not watching something from Disney or Pixar. This is a world I would love to revisit.
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