Review of The Adventures of Tintin (2011) by Anh H — 18 Feb 2013

Alas, it's been awhile since I've typed a movie review, mostly because about 90% of what I've seen in the past couple of years hasn't really inspired me to write anything. With that being said, I can safely say that Peter Jackson & Steven Spielberg's "The Adventures of Tin Tin" is not one of those movies.

Based on the old books & cartoons of the same name, originally penned by Herge way back when, "The Adventures of Tin Tin" is the tale of Tin Tin (Jamie Bell), a young reporter living in England.

Along with his spunky pup Snowy (who I might add gives the likes of Wishbone & Snoopy a run for their money), Tin Tin one day happens to stumble upon a ship in the marketplace-a model ship, based on a legendary Pirate Vessel, the Unicorn.

As soon as he purchases the scaled-down warship, notorious for it's double-deck & 50 guns, people-many people-try to buy it from him. They warn Tin Tin of the dangers that come along with possessing such an illustrious item, but, Tin Tin being the adventurous type, doesn't seem to mind.

What follows is nearly 2 hours of pure cinematic bliss. The visuals for "The Adventures of Tin Tin" are truly a sight to behold. Created using the latest in 3D Motion Capture technology, the film leaves your eyes with a buffet of lights, effects, & cinematic enjoyment.

For being one that usually doesn't tread the waters of animated motion pictures, Spielberg gets it right. Ever since "The Polar Express" and "Beowulf" I've often found these types of movies to look somewhat creepy, especially in the character's eyes.

But Jackson & his team of animators have perfected the way these characters move, talk, & even blink. It is nothing short of beautiful. The score by John Williams evokes classic mystery films and echoes throughout the movie, ever present, always bursting out at the perfect opportunity to fill the numerous action sequences with drama, suspense, & nostalgia.

Speaking of feeling nostalgic, "Tin TIn" has a story that is worthy of it's beauty in visuals & musical accompaniment. It evokes some of Spielberg's most classic movies, most notably "Indiana Jones".

It starts off in a bit of a rush, but it never leaves the audience in it's dust-the film's brisk pace was not too fast, which is important for family action movies such as this one. The dialogue is fitting for the time period it's set in, the jokes (thanks to Nick Frost & Simon Pegg) are funny, & what's smart about the humor is that it fits the style of comedic pictures that would of been produced during the time in which the film is set.

This movie brought out the kid in me, leaving me in awe, & reminding me that, going to the movies is meant to be fun! It's a way to escape & forget all the troubles of the world. This truly is a wonderful throwback to the movies I grew up with.

So the next time you're looking for an adventure; one you could embark on with your family even, why not grab a map, set sail (or hitch a ride on an airplane), & join Tin Tin & company on this dazzling journey? You won't be disappointed.