Nearly every 3D animated film released by Dreamworks tends to be a box office hit. For example, How To Train Your Dragon spawned a massive franchise with three movies and multiple spin-offs, not to mention the enduring popularity of Shrek. However, Rise Of The Guardians, while successful financially, was the lowest-performing DreamWorks film at the time according to Vulture.
So Rise of the Guardians remained a one-off despite garnering mostly positive reviews. However, over the years, it has gained a cult following as a classic to play around the holidays, with fans calling it DreamWorks' most underrated movie.
Delivers A Familiar Yet Fresh Take On Superheroes
With 2012 showcasing that the golden age of superhero films was not going away anytime soon, it makes sense that DreamWorks would capitalize on that in their own unique way. Where most superhero films at the time were more sci-fi-based or grounded in realism, Rise of the Guardians embraced the mystical side.
Magic portals that would make Doctor Strange with all of his vast powers jealous, bunny burrows that can transport anyone anywhere, and of course, a bombastic villain for the heroes to fight. There are still plenty of superhero tropes to make it accessible to anyone.
The All-Star Cast
It was clear that DreamWorks went all out with the cast with each character voiced by an A-list actor. As Jack Frost, Chris Pine shines in one of his best movies, but Alec Baldwin steals the show as North (A.K.A Santa Claus). Although it would be remiss not to mention Hugh Jackman's equally enjoyable performance as the Easter Bunny.
Jude Law delivers a sinister performance as Pitch Black and even Isla Fisher makes the Tooth Fairy so likable with her energy and emotion. All of the actors have wonderful chemistry with each other which helps the audience feel more connected to the characters and their story.
There's Plenty Of Laughs
As much as Rise of the Guardians is this epic fantasy superhero tale, it retains its DreamWorks hallmarks. Jack Frost is a wise-cracking hero who delivers some funny lines, especially when he's interacting with the Easter Bunny. The mute Sandman's comedy is delivered purely through visuals in highly creative ways.
Even Pitch Black has a few witty lines but the funniest character of the film by far is North. The character is happiness and joy personified while also having an appearance that makes him seem intimidating and it's impossible to not laugh when he laughs. The good humor of the film makes it a perfect holiday flick for the whole family to enjoy.
It's Visually Stunning
This will come as no surprise to anyone who is familiar with DreamWorks' movies; the 3D animation is absolutely beautiful, from the detail of Tooth Fairy's feathers to the sand particles that make up both Sandman and Pitch Black's powers. Rise of the Guardians translated from its concept art beautifully to create a visually stunning film.
There is so much attention to detail, even during fast-paced action sequences with so many different powers and abilities happening at once. The different worlds the Guardians visit are all visualized from top to bottom with so much care, it's enough to make one's jaw drop even today.
Creative Reimagining Of Beloved Figures
First-time viewers might think they have an idea of what to expect with characters like Santa Claus, The Tooth Fairy, The Easter Bunny, and Jack Frost. However, the film reinvents all of these characters with fantastical abilities and weapons to fight evil. Not only do kids love seeing these beloved characters on the big screen, there's a lot for adults to enjoy too.
There is so much lore introduced, from why Tooth Fairy collects teeth to the very unique homeworld of the Easter Bunny. North is a radically different interpretation of Santa Claus but every aspect of the character is well-thought-out, from how his magic works to him being characterized as a swashbuckling hero. It's no wonder why Rise of the Guardians is considered one of the best Santa Claus movies.
Suitable For Kids And Adults
There are Holiday specials clearly made for young kids such as the best Rankin/Bass Christmas shorts including Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty The Snowman. When watching Rise of the Guardians, like with many other DreamWorks films, parents will be just as invested as the kids.
There are plenty of colorful and fantastical adventures to enjoy. However, with the inclusion of the villain Pitch Black, there are plenty of darker moments too. It's never dark enough to be too much for kids but provides a perfectly balanced tone for the whole family.
It Can Tug At The Heartstrings
In any good superhero story, there is usually a tragedy to elevate the heroes' story. Rise of the Guardians is no different and it actually is surprising how dark it gets, particularly with the origin story of Jack Frost. Showing how he came to be is likely going to make some viewers shed a tear.
Even the plight of Pitch Black is somewhat understandable, even if he is going about it in the most wrong ways possible. When the villain is more than evil for the sake of evil, it makes the character more believable and many can relate to just wanting to be seen and not be alone.
The Film Teaches Valuable Lessons
From the importance of teamwork to remembering that a little bit of fun can go a long way, Rise of the Guardians excels at teaching morals to younger audiences. Each character has their own personal issues to overcome and, in typical animated film fashion, they all learn the hard lessons they need and become good friends along the way.
Though not without its cliches, the journey the Guardians go on is an enjoyable one to watch with valuable lessons for kids and adults alike.
Some Of DreamWorks' Best Action
Although primarily for younger audiences, DreamWorks did not hold back when it comes to the action sequences in Rise of the Guardians. With each realm and problem the Guardians encounter, the film's primary villain, Pitch Black, is likely to appear in order to start a brawl which leads to some of the most dynamic fights in DreamWorks history.
The camera is always moving with the action but the scene never comes off as bogged down or overstuffed. Each character's fights are fluid and unique due to their distinguished powers; and since each threat is different, each fight scene is captivating.
It's Not Just A Christmas Movie
Despite being played around the Holiday season, Rise Of The Guardians is not really about Christmas. In fact, the movie takes place on and around Easter. The truth is that Rise Of The Guardians shows the importance of all Holidays, even the smaller ones like snow days and the days when children put teeth under their pillows.
Childhood joy and wonder along with hope, memories, and dreams play an important role in the film, forcing the Guardians to work together to protect each of their roles in the lives of children around the world. So while Rise of the Guardians technically isn't a Christmas movie, it is a story about Holidays and coming together in goodwill, which is enough to put anyone into the spirit of the season.