Rise of the Guardians: A Fantastical Adventure for All Ages
A visually stunning, cleverly written, and genuinely funny fantasy that will captivate both children and adults alike.
When the malevolent Pitch Black resurfaces, threatening to extinguish the belief in childhood wonder, the legendary Guardians must unite to protect the world’s children. Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the rest of the gang find an unlikely ally in the mischievous Jack Frost, a newcomer to their ranks.
The opening of “Rise of the Guardians” is somewhat reminiscent of “The Bourne Identity.” An amnesiac young man awakens in a frozen pond, with no memory of his identity or how he got there. However, Jack Frost (as the moon reveals his name to be) possesses the power to control ice and snow, a far cry from Bourne’s deadly skills with a rolled-up magazine.
Jack’s journey is one of self-discovery, as he seeks to understand his purpose and why he has been chosen as a Guardian, joining the ranks of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the Sandman. These mythical beings are tasked with bringing joy to children and protecting them from fear, embodied by the sinister Pitch Black. But can Jack, who lacks even his own holiday, inspire belief in himself?
“Rise of the Guardians” is based on the books by William Joyce, a children’s author with a whimsical style, who has contributed to numerous animated films, including “Toy Story,” “Robots,” and the enchanting short film “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.”
A Rich and Detailed World
One of the hallmarks of a well-crafted fantasy universe is its ability to exist beyond the confines of the specific plot. The world of “Rise of the Guardians” is not merely a backdrop, but a fully realized realm. Screenwriter David Lindsay-Abaire and director Peter Ramsey, in his feature film debut, have seemingly considered every detail, including how the main characters are perceived in different cultures (did you know that in France, children believe in a Tooth Mouse instead of a Tooth Fairy?). The film is full of delightful and surprising humorous touches.
A Fast-Paced Adventure
For a family film, “Rise of the Guardians” boasts a surprisingly intense plot. There is no slow build-up here; the story moves at a breakneck pace, packing a remarkable amount of action and emotion into its runtime. The narrative encompasses quests for self-discovery, the search for purpose, death, a child’s intrusion into the fantasy world, an impending apocalypse, and at least three major chase scenes.
This could easily have been stretched into several sequels. The only notable omission is Christmas, which feels almost like a crime given Santa’s presence.
However, with so much else to enjoy in this film, that oversight can be forgiven.