Rise of the Guardians (Peter Ramsey, 2012) Review

So I've gathered that Dreamworks has at least three animation studios. The one htat makes Shrek, the on that makes the more cartoony ones like Megamind and Monsters vs Aliens and now a much more professional looking one made famous for How to Train Your Dragon. I don't even care if I'm wrong, that's just how I see it and now Rise of the Guardians has shown up with a very good look that reminds me of How to Train Your Dragon. Does that mean it's going to be as good? Let's find out.

Jack Frost (Chris Pine) awakens from an icy lake but has no idea why he is alive. He finds an outlet by causing snow days effectively getting kids off school but the fun is cut short when a villain known as Pitch (Jude Law) wants to plunge the world into nightmares. The guardians, consiting of Santa Claus/North (Alec Baldwin), the Easter Bunny/Bunnymund (Hugh Jackman), the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher) and the Sandman (...he doesn't really say anything), have to team up with Jack Frost in order to take down Pitch and save the faith of the children of the world.

Dreamworks...please keep doing what you're doing. How to Train Your Dragon was an splendid animated feature and Rise of the Guardians, while not as good, isn't too far behind. Where the film really shines is the visuals. They look fantastic even down to the character design, especially on the Tooth Fairy (definetly the most unique of the bunch). Even making Bunnymund Austrailian fits well into the world of the film. I can't really imagine the film working if it was the generic versions of the characters. North doesn't even say "Ho Ho Ho"...and I love them for it.

It's not all good though. I love Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman and Isla Fisher in their roles but Chris Pine doesn't really work as Jack. Now, I'm not saying it was a bad performance or that I hate Chris Pine (he was pretty good), it's just that I think there was a better voice for Jack out there. Jude Law was surprisingly evil and, while they could have gone with someone else, I'm glad they didn't. Sure, the films a bit clunky at times and can't seem to focus on one area (it rushes around a bit) but there is a lot to enjoy.

Rise of the Guardians is one of the better animated films of 2012 (even better than that Oscar 'ahem' "winner" that shall not be named...BEARS!) but there are a few things that stop it from being one of the greats. A lot of the cast is well cast with only a few questionable choices and, while it has a hard time keeping focused, it's certainly an enjoyable flick.

Verdict:
8/10
While it needs more focus, that doesn't stop it from being an enjoyable film.