‘Rise of the Guardians’ brings out the kid in everyone
After a continuous stream of trending superheroes on the big screen that bring to life our most revered defenders, “Rise of the Guardians” brings mythical figures, a lighthearted movie that welcomes the holiday season. The movie includes figures, such as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Sandman and the Tooth Fairy, together in a storybook troupe, much like the “Avengers” action heroes. The movie runs at one hour and 37 minutes, and is rated PG for thematic elements and some mildly scary action. In “Rise of the Guardians,” Dreamworks Animation and director Peter Ramsey join together to create a movie where our holiday heroes face a dark force that threatens to destroy children’s belief in good. The movie is based on the book series, “The Guardians of Childhood,” by William Joyce.
This good versus evil story is centered on Jack Frost, voiced by Chris Pine, who feels left out and detached from the group of legendary figures. The sinister boogey-man, Pitch Black, voiced by Jude Law, intends to turn all dreams into nightmares and to annihilate the good being done by North, which consists of a Russian, tattooed Santa variant, voiced by Alec Baldwin, a roughand- tumble “E. Aster Bunny,” voiced by Hugh Jackman, and the flighty, feathered version of the fairy “Tooth,” voiced by Isla Fisher.
Pitch’s evil goal is to eliminate all belief in the storied icons, so the troubled loner Jack is chosen to join the ranks of the North, preserve their illusions and fight for the happiness of the imaginative children. “Parts of the movie are a little hokey, but some of the scenes are incredibly inventive, like the Easter bunny’s Easter Island statues and the walking eggs,” said MC senior Brian Bush. MC senior Mauriel Rodriguez agreed, saying that she thought that everyone should see the movie to “embrace your inner child and your sense of wonder.” “What I enjoyed about the movie is that it inspires kids to stand up for what they believe in, even if what they believe in are fictitious characters like Santa and the Easter Bunny,” said Rodriguez. “Fighting for something you believe in is a principle that will follow you forever.
Like with Pitch Black, fear is something that stops us from standing up for what we believe in. I’m not afraid to believe in Santa and I’m not afraid to say it. I really loved this movie. It is nice to know that the Guardians are watching out for us.” Although the plot at times seemed slightly predictable, and the pace of the movie was occasionally frenetic, the characters were original, refreshing and quite different than the conventional holiday portrayals many are familiar with. The simple concept of storybook figures looking out for children and those that believe helped to keep the holiday-centered legends alive. “Rise of the Guardians” is an all around suitable fare for the holiday season.