Rise of the Guardians

(PG) Dreamworks DVD/BD

This is a fascinating film for the whole family about retaining your child-like wonder.

Some Christian parents may have an issue with a film about Santa, The Tooth Fairy, Sandman and The Easter Bunny, but this one prefers to believe that, while innocent minds still believe that when a tooth falls out it’s a cause for financial reward or that it’s better to give than receive, it’s good to let them not grow up too quickly to the harsh realities of consumerism and capitalism.

This film posits that Santa (reimagined with very cool “naughty” and “nice” forearm tattoos), The Tooth Fairy, Sandman and the Easter Bunny are the guardians of childhood. While children believe in them they exist and help children retain their childlike awe and wonder.

Jack Frost, who isn’t really up there in the recognition stakes, is recruited into the guardians but isn’t sure how he fits in because children don’t really believe in him.

Told by Santa to try to discover his “centre”, he helps the guardians battle the Boogey Man, who is systematically trying to destroy children’s belief in those they can’t see.

There are some definite metaphors here to help discuss with young charges the values of believing in what you can’t see but this is also a rollicking adventure to boot — something the whole family can enjoy.

Adrian Drayton