Much more than just another holiday movie, Rise of the
Guardians paints a beautiful, entertaining, symbolic picture of faith verses
fear that impressed me very much.
The focal character of the story is Jack Frost. He awakes
from what he can only explain as ‘darkness’ sporting special abilities given
him by the moon. But Mr. Moon will not verbalize his intentions or Jack’s
purpose. So, for 300 years, he causes mischief, but not all the bad kind. He
has an uncanny way of helping kids smile.
One day, due to some sinister doings of the Boogy Man
himself, Pitch Black, Jack is called on to become a Guardian, joining a team of
like legends including – Santa Claus (they call him ‘North’), the Easter Bunny,
the Sandman, and the Tooth Fairy. Jack is unconvinced that he has anything in
common with such company, and is still a bit miffed at the Man in the Moon for
telling the Guardians about his purpose instead of just telling him. However,
he sticks around long enough to discover more about himself and his calling in
life than he could ever imagined or hoped for.
While the story is not groundbreaking or completely
original, two things stand out and make this film masterful. First, clever
characterization of well-known and well-loved holiday icons brings them to life
in a whole new way. I mean, who can resist an Easter bunny voiced by Hugh
Jackman, more jack rabbit than Peter Cottontail, who has serious ninja moves
with those magic boomerangs? Oh yeah… that’s what I’m talking about!
The second thing is its animation, especially seen as
intended in digital. Crisp, sparkling, perfection. It is dazzling to watch, to
experience.
What I like most, though, is the message. Faith eclipses
fear – simple as that, but demonstrated in a clear, tangible, magical way. And
before you get too hung up on the ‘magical’ part or the concern that this story
glorifies secular representations of a couple sacred holidays, I see the band
of Guardians more as characters each representing an aspect or trait of the One
True God. Taken as a whole, taken symbolically, the Truth is present. Vivid,
even.
So… truly a film the whole family can enjoy, I suggest you
make a date to see Rise of the Guardians.
Happy Weekending, Dry Ground friends! Be blessed!
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