Sunday, December 18, 2011

The Advenures of Tintin



"Les Aventures de Tintin" is a series of Belgian comic books created by Hergé. The clean, innocent and expressive drawings of Hergé caught the attention of director Steven Spielberg who worked with what might seem as an awkward writing team. Joe Cornish (Attack the Block); Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgram vs the World); and Steven Moffat (Doctor Who) don't sound like a natural combination, but together their mutual interest in the Belgian comic shines and is brought to life visually in stunning CGI. "The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn" was originally written in the 1940s and references to previous stories make appearances throughout the film.

The hero of the series is Tintin (Jamie Bell), a young Belgian reporter who is assisted in his adventures by his faithful fox terrier dog Snowy. One day, he comes across a model ship of the Unicorn that he buys. He is confronted by Sakharine (Daniel Craig) who shows interest in the same model ship and peaks the curiosity of Tintin. The mystery and adventure is afoot as Tintin meets the brash and cynical Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis).

A complimenting side story follows the bumbling and incompetent detectives Thomson and Thompson (Simon Pegg and Nick Frost) as they are in search of a master pick pocket (Toby Jones). Just enough of the side story is included to provide comic relief and even finds an interesting way to bring the two stories together to help conclude the mystery.

The visual element of the film through the 3D special effects and creative ways to changes scenes will hold your interest from the shadowy beginning chase scene to the final reveal. Steven Spielberg used his imagination in shifting scenes from shaking hands to a desert scene by using the outline of the two hands into the surface of the desert. The attention to detail didn't stop visually as Steven Spielberg also called upon his friend John Williams to score the film, which provides perfect plot points that build the mystery and comic timing. John Williams has been nominated over 30 times for an Academy Award and this could be another year for him to make an appearance.

As the movie concludes, and the story is set for a sequel, a smile will come across your face and you will see why I am going to give this film 4 Quacks. The popularity of the comics from the last generation will now have a warm spot for a new generation and will continue for years to come. This is a perfect family holiday film.



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