Rise of the Guardians

MPAA Rating: PG

Entertainment: +3

Content: +2

Animated family adventure from Paramount, with the voices of Alec Baldwin (the busiest man in Hollywood), Hugh Jackman, Islas Fisher. Written by David Lindasy-Abaire. Directed by Peter Ramsey.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Sandman and the Tooth Fairy are actually Guardians, those who watch over and protect children. But they only exist if children continue to believe in them. So, when Pitch Black, the Boogieman, does his best to give kids nightmares and dispel their beliefs in thing not seen, the Guardians find that they need assistance from an unlikely source – Jack Frost, a selfish Peter-Pan-like being who brings winter despite the fact that no one believes in him. A clean, inventive and fun film, with positive messages about being unselfish and believing in things unseen.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Not sure why Santa Claus looks more like a Russian czar with tattoos on his arms or why the Easter Bunny looks more nightmarish than the evil Boogieman, but the film is lively, colorful and whimsical. The 3-D process is well done and kids at the screening were captivated by the film’s magical look.

There are a few spooky visuals, as the vengeful and decidedly demonic Pitch Black creates flying, nightmarish horses with blazing eyes to bring havoc upon our heroes and disturb the dreams of little ones. Mom or dad should be in attendance in order to provide assurance that all will be well in the end.

In the story, the Bunny describes Easter as being a time of hope and new beginnings. Well, that’s close, about as good as you’re going to get from a major studio concerning the true meaning of Easter.

Is a story about the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus diverting from the true meaning of those holidays? Personally, I think kids can view these stories and get positive messages out of them so long as they know our true Guardian – Jesus.

Do your children attend Sunday school? Does your family have a Bible study and pray together each day? Or do they just watch movies?

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Paramount

Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.

Crude Language: None

Obscene Language: None

Profanity: None

Violence: The adventure contains attacks by the dark villain and his flying horse-henchmen; I think if mom or dad are there to reassure, even little ones will be okay. BTW- if your children ever get really scared in a movie – take them out. I guess I didn’t have to tell you that, right?

Sex: None

Nudity: None

Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: None

Drugs: None

Other: The film may bring up a discussion about fear and nightmares, which may help little ones.

Running Time: 97 minutes
Intended Audience: Family

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