Review: "The Adventures of TinTin"

Film And DVD Reviews by Phil Boatwright

Voices: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg. Paramount Pictures. Family animated adventure. Written by Stephen Moffat, Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish. Directed by Stephen Spielberg. 12/21/11

FILM SYNOPSIS: An intrepid reporter with a taste for adventure seeks a new story concerning three treasure maps from the days of old. Magic-maker Stephen Spielberg has added motion capture and the 3D process to a popular European comic book series.

REVIEW: Have you noticed that when you put those 3D glasses on, suddenly the images on the screen become darker? Even though things come flying at you, everything looks somewhat murky. This has to do with the way it is projected. A brighter bulb is necessary to bring vividness to the 3D process. Some theaters get it right, most don’t.

As to the production itself, it’s filled from scene one to final credits with action adventure that harkens back to Indiana Jones. And despite the not-so-bright projection in the screening theater, the film itself has interesting characters, it’s clean, contains some positive themes aimed at kids, including believing in yourself and perseverance, and incorporates some witty humor for adults and slapstick for little ones. Where War Horse was both profound and fun, The Adventures of TinTin is just fun. Nothing wrong with that.

PG (the utterances “swear to God” and “For God’s sake” are each heard once; the Indiana Jones-like action/violence are made less jolting by the use of animation; we see people threatened with guns and there are battles, with pirates sword-fighting and shooting one another; one character, a sea-faring captain, is a drunk and humor is played off his desire for the drink). Running Time: 100 min. Intended Audience: Family

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DEFINITIONS

Profanity – God’s name followed by a curse or the abusive use of Christ’s name

Obscenity – a swear word, indecent language

Expletive – minor curse words such as damn or hell

Crudity – vulgar, often coarse situations or dialogue dealing with bodily functions

Adult Subject Matter – situations or subjects unsuitable for or difficult to comprehend by children