Rise of the Guardians

Rise of the Guardians is a beautifully animated film about identity, imagination and festive charms.

Jack Frost (Chris Pine) is a young and somewhat lost boy, who leads an invisible existence commanding the elements of winter.  When he is chosen to join the prestigious ranks of the Guardians, the iconic characters of legends who protect the children that still believe in them, Frost finds himself unwillingly drawn into conflict with the villainous Pitch (Jude Law), a dark parallel of Frost's own character.

The film is visually captivating, with showers of sparkling ice and snow beautifully captured with stunning detail.  From the frosting on Jack's hoody through to the glittering sand that is used to both construct and shatter dreams, the outstanding level of animation at once heightens escapism and produces a sense of realism.  This level of detail is also carried throughout the landscape, such as the ice covered lakes, swirling northern lights and the Easter Bunny's rainbow burrow, producing a world that is at once highly engaging and enchanting.

The characters are each confronted with a sense of loss, as their identities are threatened by the children's loss of faith.  This perhaps produces a social critique of children within contemporary society who grow up too soon, while inviting the audience to indulge in a blissful state of youthful innocence and imagination.  The supporting cast of highly entertaining confused elves (who don't actually make Santa's presents... they're just left to think that they do), fluttering baby fairies and eager walking eggs facilitate this by constructing a world that is both entertaining and enchanting.  The sophisticated artistry and themes of childhood imagination will therefore produce nostalgia in an adult audience, allowing the film to have resonance for audiences of all ages.

A very enchanting family film, which will evoke the nostalgia of childhood while drawing you into a fantastical festive landscape; perfect for Christmas.