Rise of the Guardians

Ever since How to Train Your Dragon, I've had a healthy respect for Dreamworks.  They have been putting out quality films for a while now.  Even when they're not great, they're still good.  Don't stone me for saying this, but their work has become more visually impressive than the work being produced by Pixar.  I don't know if their stories are as great as the ones told by Pixar, but Dreamworks provides quality characters with interesting tales.  Rise of the Guardians is yet another excellent entry into their catalog.

This time around, the story follows some of the stars of childhood as they go about their business.  We aren't shown a lot of the day to day normal operations, as these guardians are preoccupied with besting an old foe that has returned to terrorize the children.  You get a different look at Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the Sandman.  Of course, you also get to meet Jack Frost.  Since he isn't as established as the others, they're not deviating much from general lore.

While the story often takes some typical turns, that is not a bad thing.  There are cliches in storytelling because they work.  If a studio can inject enough uniqueness into the telling, it is okay to walk the worn path.  Because the guardians are interesting and each infused with character by the talented voice actors, it's okay if a scene here or there hearkens back to something you've seen before.*

Some of the basic tenets of the story are not the only things that feel familiar.  North's elves are just re-designed minions.  I like the minions from Despicable Me, so I don't hate that they're there.  I do, however, wonder if they were just being lazy.  I like to think that it is a merry coincidence, as they fit well in the story.  I thought I was over thinking the elves and their origin until Mark asked me about it after the movie.  

We've established that the characters are interesting and that the story is solid.  Now, let's really acknowledge where Dreamworks excels.  Rise of the Guardians is absolutely beautiful.  There are a myriad of striking images throughout the film.  

The characters themselves are wonderfully designed.  Sandman, for example, is comprised of sand.  They manage to make that believable.  What's even more impressive is his crazy man hair.  It captures that idea of bed head, but it looks like it's made of sand.  It actually reminds me a great deal of cotton candy, aside from the color.  Sandy isn't the only one that makes an impression though.  Jack Frost wears a hooded sweatshirt for the majority of the movie, and it is frosted over in spots, and it looks great.  The frost effects are just as beautiful.

While our cast of heroes are stunning, it's the inclusion of the villain that allows for a great many of those striking images.  Where Sandy wields golden sand, Pitch manipulates a black version of that same substance.  The two, intertwined in battle, make for a gorgeous scene.  When Jack Frost throws his powers up against Pitch, it is equally amazing.  

If I had kids, this is the kind of film I would have no problem with them watching.  Is it perfect?  Not quite.  As I said, some of it is pretty predictable, but they've put enough style and effort into the rest of the film that it doesn't really drag it down.  I like to think it will be one of my new holiday films.  While it isn't about Christmas, it feels like a good time to watch it.

*Seriously, I had a total Star Wars moment.