Remember when you started to think that The Sandman, Santa Clause, The Easter Bunny and The Tooth Fairy didn't exist? Well...I am young enough to remember that time of my life. Perhaps this is why I found art director Peter Ramsey's directorial debut Rise Of The Guardians so charming. It gave me a feeling of joy as I was watching it. It was a fantasy that I have been wishing for my whole life. However, don't get me wrong-the 89 minute run time is long enough for me. Also---writer David Lindsay-Abaire may have written a clever script but he does go a bit too overboard on the fantasy aspect of the film.
In the film---Tooth (Isla Fisher), North (Alec Baldwin), Bunny (Hugh Jackman) and Sandman must come together to fend off the evil Pitch (Jude Law.) All the while---hopeful guardian inductee Jack Frost (Chris Pine) is helping in the ending of Pitch's diabolical plans.
All of these actors do an excellent job at bringing their animated characters to life. These are all talented people and their voice work is among the best I have seen all year. Law especially brings a menacing and realistic presence to the villain of the story. Fisher makes Tooth charming, Baldwin brings a comic element to North, Jackman is perfect for Bunny and Pine gives us a very likable character in Jack Frost. The animation is also very beautiful---giving the kids many bright colors to gaze at while adults can enjoy how visually stunning much of the film is. There is no real reason to see this in 3D because the film looks excellent in 2D. The film is funny and features some nice action. The film also does a good job of keeping both parents and children interested in the plot and what is going to happen next. There are some slow spots in which kids might find a reason to wobble out of their seats but they will get right back into the film.
While it may need be a great film---Rise Of The Guardians does provide enough fun to make it worth both parent's and children's time and the parent's money. I will say that if you have kids this weekend and have already seen Wreck It Ralph---Rise Of The Guardians will be harmless, fun entertainment for both of you.
(3 and 1/2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG for thematic elements and some mildly scary action)
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