SYNOPSIS: RISE OF THE GUARDIANS is an epic adventure that tells the story of a group of heroes – each with extraordinary abilities. When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children all over the world.

REVIEW: My son Ralphie and I have a Holiday tradition. Every year a new Holiday movie comes out and he and I make going to review it a date. I know that as he gets older (he just turned 11) he might not look forward to it as much, until one day he might just turn me down, but for now, we’re good. Three years ago I reviewed A CHRISTMAS CAROL, with Jim Carrey which was great, a classic with a twist. Last year we did ARTHUR CHRISTMAS, which was a lot of fun. This year we just saw RISE OF THE GUARDIANS and I have to tell you it was AWESOME! It was just perfect fun for me and seeing that it held wonder with the just right amount of action for my growing boy was just the ticket.

Ralphie: “Rise of the Guardians is an amazing Christmas experience. It will really push the boundaries of your imagination of all holiday creatures or myths or any beliefs. It will really make you feel as if they have their own life and their own personalities more than what you hear about or what you think. Such as Santa, you wouldn't believe him as being an amazing, joyous and very funny Russian person but now you will.”

I’m having a hard time calling Rise of the Guardians a Christmas movie because although the timing is right to call it that and despite Santa or North (Alec Baldwin) to his friends, is front and center in the whole plot, all the other holiday greats are in it. North is, as Ralphie mentioned a funny, joyous Russian. He’s tough, tattooed and built like a brick wall. The Sandman or Sandy is sweet and although he doesn’t speak he finds original and cute ways to communicate what he needs to get across. Then there’s the Tooth Fairy and her little assistants which look a lot like humming birds to me. They not only exchange your teeth for money, they also guard your memories. She’s adorable and joyful and so full of childish wonder perfectly done by Isla Fisher. The Easter bunny (Hugh Jackman) is not your average bunny. He stands 6’ 4” is buff and tough. Jack (Chris Pine), Jack Frost might not be what you would imagine a Guardian to be. He’s mischievous, a trouble maker and for some reason unknown to himself, kids don’t see him at all. He’s not yet a Guardian but you know he should be. You might wonder what a Guardian is. Well, you see, Pitch also known as the boogie man, has decided to launch an assault on the earth and only the Guardians can stop him. Pitch wants for all little boys and girl to fear him, to have nightmares and so he decides to take their innocence away and once and for all get rid of the Guardians who are here to make sure that innocence, wonder and belief in them will always continue. And so the battle begins. And what a battle it was. There are some scenes that may be dark and maybe even a little bit scary for little ones but I think that you the parent should be the judge of that. The computer animation on this film is truly incredible and the artists didn’t miss a detail. There is one scene when the boogie man is holding something and I kid you not, you could see his scraggly cuticles. I also felt that finally I was able to see the need for 3D technology. From the very opening scenes as Jack is “born” from the ice pond, you truly felt that the snowflakes were falling down on you and during the snowball fights, you couldn’t help but duck. 

The Rise of the Guardians is one big adventure to save the innocence of the world’s children. Beautifully animated, beautifully written and excellently voiced. Make this your next favorite Christmas movie.

Review By Priscilla 

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