Last fall I saw the trailer for RISE OF THE GUARDIANS and I instantly decided it was a movie I didn’t need to watch. We did not raise our kids to believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny or the Tooth Fairy. They were taught Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ, Easter was about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and that all these other characters were just make believe like Barney and Mickey Mouse. My children have grown up to be well adjusted young adults and we never lied to them about characters sneaking into the house to leave toys, candy or cash. Since this is how we raised our kids I was pretty sure this movie wasn’t for us. Then, when the movie arrived in theaters I started seeing lots of my friends post about how much they and their children loved the movie, and I became curious. When I was asked to review the Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack that hits shelves 3-12-13, I agreed.
The Press Release
Praised by critics and moviegoers of all ages, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: DWA) spectacular and heartfelt adventure RISE OF THE GUARDIANS soars onto Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D™ and DVD on March 12, 2013. Hailed as “brilliant” and “the best family film of the year” (Joel Amos, MovieFanatic.com) with “spellbinding power” (James Verniere, Boston Herald) and “dazzling animation” (Tom Long, Detroit News), RISE OF THE GUARDIANS received outstanding audience reactions and a coveted ‘A’ Cinemascore.
DreamWorks Animation’s newest animated adventure has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide with a fun-filled and magical story about the legendary guardians—Jack Frost, the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and Sandman—together for the first time! When the evil Pitch threatens to take over the world, it’s up to our beloved heroes to protect the hopes and dreams of children everywhere. Filled with non-stop action and laughs, it’s a dazzling family film that’s being hailed as “an instant classic” (Nancy Jay, Daybreak USA).
Just in time for Easter, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS will be available in a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy Pack with UltraViolet™ or single-disc DVD, each of which includes two delightful hopping toy eggs inspired by the ones seen in the film (while supplies last—quantities are limited). The combo pack and single-disc DVD also include special features that take viewers behind-the-scenes to learn more about the magic used to bring the story to life.
Featuring an all-star cast of voice talent including Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher and Jude Law, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS delivers humor, adventure and exceptional entertainment that the whole family can enjoy. The film will also be available on March 12th in a three-disc Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy Pack with UltraViolet and for digital download on February 26th.
My Thoughts
This movie is rated PG for a reason, it has a very dark and ominous theme thanks to the presence of the Boogeyman aka Pitch. I would recommend this movie for kids ages 10+. The film is visually stunning but even though I tried to remain open minded and enjoy the film for what it was…but I didn’t like it. The Guardians-Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Sandman, the Tooth Fairy and newcomer Jack Frost say their goal is to protect the children and “hope, wonder and light”to the world. Throughout the film the Guardians say that children need to have faith in them and believe BUT the main children in the movie don’t have faith (ie belief in things unseen), these children don’t believe until they see…which is not faith but proof.
While this is a clean movie with no bad language there is some mild violence, magic and talk about who the Guardians were in their “former lives”. Yes, in the end good overcomes evil and everything is wrapped up in a nice neat package.
Speaking of packages, for a limited time the Blu-Ray/DVD comes with hopping Easter Eggs!
Personally, I don’t recommend this movie for Christian families of young children. Even if you do Santa etc, this film is rather dark and scary and while there are a few teachable moments they don’t outweigh the poor storytelling, putting faith in things other than God and dark theming.
Have you and your children watched Rise of the Guardians? What were your thoughts? please leave me a comment and let me know.
My boyfriend saw a poster for this movie the other week and thought it looked interesting (surprisingly). We might check this one out, just to see it.
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My daughter wanted to see this movie while it was in theaters. I honestly didn’t know what it was about. Maybe we’ll rent it.
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I dont quite understand the need for kids movies to be so dark.
I know it seems so unnecessary!
We haven’t seen this so I do appreciate you review. Thanks.
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