Rise of the Guardians
One of the best animated films in recent years is 2012’s Rise of the Guardians. This fun, family, adventure film stars heroes such as Jack Frost (voiced by Chris Pine), the Tooth fairy (Isla Fisher), the Easter bunny (Hugh Jackman), and Santa Claus who is known as North (Alec Baldwin) in recognizable, yet updated takes on the personas. The group gets together to try and stop the boogeyman Pitch (Jude Law) from harming children across the world while also taking place during multiple holidays. Laughs come from the banter between the guardians and from the supporting character’s actions that populate the holiday themed worlds the heroes live in. Animated by DreamWorks, the studio who made The Croods, Home, Trolls, The Boss Baby, and Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, Rise of the Guardians explores the power of a child’s belief (in the heroes). Each of the guardians has multiple times to shine, using their powers, getting a laugh, and their voices are unique by the talented cast (such as Hugh Jackman who lets his natural Aussie accent heard). It makes you think about how you have felt about these characters and the film has heart, (watch for lead Jack Frost learn as much as he teaches others). When released in November 2012, it took first place out of the new films (beating Life of Pi and Red Dawn) and fourth overall, (behind The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2, Skyfall, and Lincoln). The film is based on the novel series by William Joyce, first published in 2011, and the screenplay is written by David Lindsay-Abaire who previously wrote Rabbit Hole (2010 drama with Nicole Kidman), next wrote Oz the Great and Powerful (2013 fantasy with James Franco), and is currently writing Fuddy Meers (a comedy about a woman who relives her past day everyday because she has no memory). Director Peter Ramsey, who has far more credits in the art department, previously helmed Monsters vs Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space (2009) and is currently working on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018 animated action). The cast and recent voice work of theirs includes Chris Pine (Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey, 2010), Alec Baldwin (Thomas & Friends: Engine Friends, 2012), Jude Law (A Series of Unfortunate Events, 2004), Isla Fisher (Rango, 2011), and Hugh Jackman (Flushed Away, 2006). The Blu-ray includes a commentary, behind the scenes videos, and more videos about the characters.
2012, G, 1h 37m
Distributor – Paramount (DreamWorks)
Budget / Worldwide Box Office (in millions) – $145 / $306
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