Rise of the Guardians Directed by: Peter Ramsey Starring: (voices of) Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Jude Law Rating: Not Yet Rated Release Date: November 21, 2012
TRAILER SCORE: 9/10
Thoughts by TSR: There are a few very promising animated films set to come out in the second half of 2012 – Frankenweenie, Wreck-It Ralph, and ParaNorman chief among them. After seeing this second trailer for Rise of the Guardians, however, there is no question that it’s the one I’m most excited to see.
The first trailer did a great job of setting up the premise and showing off plenty of beautiful animation. This trailer remains stunning to look at, but we also get to meet the main character, Jack Frost (voiced by Star Trek’s Chris Pine). In addition to introducing us to Jack Frost, it also shows off a bit more of Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Kangaroo Bunny. The only character who doesn’t speak at all is the Sandman. That’s no matter though, as the animation of his character is gorgeous enough to make up for it. Alec Baldwin is having a lot of fun as Santa, but it’s Hugh Jackman’s tough guy Easter Bunny that I’m most drawn to. I always get a kick out of characters saying decidedly not tough things in a tough voice, and Jackman nails it when he gruffly says “I’m a bunny.”
It looks like there is going to be some really big, impressive action in Rise of the Guardians. While I’m not a fan of 3D in general, I still think this could be worth it for all the flying and battling that takes place in the sky. Between that and the fun takes on these beloved childhood characters, I think this is a film worth getting excited about.