Hello, SWRNN readers! Here’s my review for the newest DreamWorks animated film “Rise of the Guardians.”
(Courtesy image)
“Rise of the Guardians” is arguably one of the most ambitious animated films ever made, teaming up the likes of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman and Jack Frost to fight the threat of the Boogeyman.
The film was based off of the popular series of books by William Joyce entitled “The Guardians of Childhood” and features the voice talents of Alec Baldwin as Santa Claus, Hugh Jackman as the Easter Bunny, Chris Pine as Jack Frost, Isla Fisher as the Tooth Fairy and Jude Law as the Boogeyman.
The film was directed by Peter Ramsey — art designer for movies like “Minority Report,” “Men in Black,” and “Fight Club.”
Going into “Rise of the Guardians,” I was pretty excited. Although I haven’t read the books, I am obviously familiar with the main characters the story centers around.
That being said, does this movie live up to the potential it has? Well, yes. As far as I’m concerned.
The voice acting in “Rise of the Guardians” was top notch, like most Dreamworks films. Baldwin does a great job portraying a Russian Santa Claus and Jackman as an Australian Easter Bunny. All of the voice work here is stellar.
The animation is where this film really shines. Every single shot looks beautiful and realistic, especially for an animated film with such a wild premise.
The visual consultant for this film was none other than Roger Deakins, who was the cinematographer from the recent James Bond installment “Skyfall,”and you can really tell.
The story was set in a cold and wintery atmosphere, but it has this really warm and cozy feel to it as well. That is due to the visual style and tone of the film itself.
The only real problem that I have with “Rise of the Guardians” is that at times, it does become a little self-indulgent and go into “style-over-substance” territory, but because of how great the film is at putting you not only in the Christmas spirit, but enveloping you into its magical essence, I give “Rise of the Guardians” a 4 out of 5.
Adam Rolseth is a teen movie reviewer and regular guest contributor to SWRNN.
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