Rise of the Guardians 
Starring: (Voices of) Chris Pine, Jude Law, Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher, Hugh Jackman
Directed by Peter Ramsey
Rated: PG
Run Time: 97 mins
Genre: Family/ Animation/ Adventure/ 3D Film
Opens November 21st
By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com
What a way to kick of the official start of theHolidayseason! This delightful family film is adapted from William Joyce’s novel “The Guardians of Childhood” and his short film “Man in the Moon”. This film won the Animation of the Year award at the 2012 Hollywood Film Festival.
When the Man on the Moon gave Jack Frost (Chris Pine – Voice) his role in the world, he was jazzed that he was given the ability to fly, create stunning ice etchings and wield some gnarly abilities with a staff. The only nagging issue that he has about being The Jack Frost is that no one is able to see him nor do they believe in him. He has been reduced to a cliché expression that is sung about during the Holidays and a warning for mothers to give children before playing in the snow.
Three Hundred years pass and a few days before Easter, an ominous sign appears at the North Pole. North, a.k.a. Santa (Alec Baldwin – voice) bears witness to the event and sends out a signal to the other Guardians to assemble. The other guardians include the Sandman (to help children have pleasant dreams), Tooth, a.k.a. the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher – voice) and Bunny (Hugh Jackman – voice) a.k.a. the Easter Bunny. When they al arrive at the North Pole, North informs them that a dark force has arisen, threatening the children of the world and the guardians existence. This dark force, better known as the Boogeyman/ Pitch (Jude Law – voice) creates fear and nightmares among children, extinguishing any belief in wonder, joy or dreams. The Guardians must act fast, but the Man on the Moon informs them that a new guardian will join their ranks to help defeat Pitch, Jack Frost. Some of the guardians, especially Bunny, are wary of bring Jack into their ranks as he’s know to be self serving and cause too many issues. Jack, when approached, agrees to the consensus, but falls in with the group as time is of the essence.
Pitch has kidnapped all the tooth fairies helpers and the teeth they collect, as they hold all the childhood memories. Quickly children start un-believing in the Tooth Fairy, and she looses her abilities. The Guardians find a way around this, which infuriates Pitch. He then garners enough strength to take down each guardian until all that is left is Jack Frost and one child left who believes in the Guardians.
Will Jack Frost believe in him self although others lack faith and belief? Will Jack be able to save the Guardians or fall to the darkness of Pitch and his evil ways?
Even children know that there is a sort of darkness that lingers around the world today, that some of the magic and wonder that storytelling and film once had have been replaced by special effects, 3D and lackluster storytelling. Rise of the Guardians ignites that magic and wonder and breathes new life into family/ holiday films. This is an inspiring, uplifting family film that would turn the most Scrooge-like spirit into a jolly one. With that said, the animation and 3D effects were quite good, and the characters were adorable and likable. The only qualm I had with the film was the modern take on the “Santa” character, North. Am I the only one that thinks tattooed forearms of “Naughty” and “Nice” on Santa is just pain wrong? Be sure to check out Rise of the Guardians when it opens nationwide starting Wednesday November 21,2012.
