Cast: Animated feature

Directed By: Peter Ramsey

If you couldn’t watch the movie at the theatres, here is your chance to watch the computer – animated fantasy adventure Rise of the Guardians, based on William Joyce’s book series and film The Guardians of Childhood and The Man in the Moon. Kids are sure to be glued to the screen watching the antics of Guardians Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and the Sandman who help Jack Frost fight against the evil Pitch Black who wants to engulf the world in darkness.

The film features the voices of Chris Pine (Jack Frost), Alec Baldwin (Santa Claus) a muscular, tattooed Santa, Hugh Jackman (the Easter Bunny) a majestic bunny who has loads to tricks up his sleeve, the silent Sandman, who conjures dreams out of golden sands, Isla Fisher (the Tooth Fairy) a hyper half hummingbird-half princess who leads a flock of mini-fairies and Jude Law (Pitch Black) the evil ghost.

The story centers on Boogeyman Pitch Black's attempts to spread darkness and fear throughout the world and the Guardians of Childhood’s attempt to stop him from destroying the dreams of little children. The guardians Santa, Tooth Fairy, Sandman and Easter Bunny are loved by children everywhere. When the Man in the Moon appoints Jack Frost to be the newest guardian, Frost rejects the idea and feels he cannot be a guardian to the children. The kids on the other hand, have not heard of him since ages and think he has disappeared. The other guardians also doubt that Jack can be of much help, especially against Pitch Black. But things change when Pitch spreads terror on the kids. The guardians realize they need all the help they can get. They rope in Frost to take on the mighty Pitch Black.

The animation effects are great in this film, the sound effects wondrous and the images razor sharp. The film was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film. A thoroughly enjoyable family entertainer.

Rating: ****

By Verus Ferreira