Ignite the imagination

You might think that you are familiar with the mythology of iconic legends like Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, Jack Frost and the Bogeyman, but Rise Of The Guardians unearths a startling new reality into the world of fantasy that is unforgettable. The film shows that there is much more to the histories of these characters than anyone ever believed - and that the benevolent givers of gifts, eggs, money and dreams are much more than they seemed.

Immortal, strong and swift, these childhood legends have been tasked with protecting the innocence and imagination of kids of all ages to the fullest extent of their powers. When a menace arrives with a plan to erase the guardians from existence by robbing children of their hopes and dreams, these beloved crusaders need the help of Jack Frost, a reluctant new recruit who'd rather enjoy a snow day than save the world.

Rise Of The Guardians is the beginning of a new love affair with these charming characters. Even the Bogeyman is huggable in his own despicable way. These are characters you definitely want to put into your pocket and take home.

No graphic violence

What makes Rise Of The Guardians must-see entertainment for all ages and families in particular, is that it never resorts to graphic violence or becomes excessively nightmarish. The dreams in Rise Of The Guardians are what nightmares (and the Bogeyman) are envious of, and this dynamic duel and entertaining rivalry causes tons of fun, laughter and thrills.

The humour in Rise Of The Guardians is exceptional; scribe David Lindsay-Abaire, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, screenwriter, lyricist and librettist, has brought author and illustrator William Joyce's story to glorious life, and director Peter Ramsey (who directed Monsters vs Aliens) and his creative team have turned a great story into a work of art.

The art of animation and the power of 3D offer a spectacular feast for the eyes. There is awe, magic and wonder that guarantees an experience you will always remember.

Rise Of The Guardians is the kind of film you can wholeheartedly escape into and experience more than once. The meticulous detail, exquisite craftsmanship and sharp wit contribute to a memorable, meaningful and rewarding experience.

Make sure to stay for the end credits; there's some fun footage that deserves to be seen.

An added bonus to this enriching experience is the sumptuous and lavish music score by Alexandre Desplat (who also composed music for The King's Speech), featuring a spine-tingling song by opera diva Renee Fleming at the end of the film.

The magic of animation is that the genre offers endless possibilities in which anything can happen and everything is possible. It is this wonderful synergy between the two extremes that allows the imagination to soar and the mind to think about how important it is to let the child within blossom.

Rise Of The Guardians is one of the best festive gifts that you can share with loved ones.

Behind the scenes

Fourteen years ago, William Joyce's six-year-old daughter Mary Katherine asked her dad if Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny were friends. It was a question that intrigued the author and illustrator. After giving it some thought, he answered with a resounding "Yes!" and began to weave colourful bedtime stories for Mary Katherine and her younger brother Jackson, who heard tales not only about old Saint Nick and the Easter Bunny, but also about Jack Frost, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, the Man in the Moon and even the Bogeyman. As the stories became more elaborate, Joyce began to see their potential. Joyce is looking forward to audiences coming away from the cinematic experience with a renewed faith and sense of wonder. "I'm excited for them to see these characters that they've all known and grown up with in this new and heroic way," he said, "that, yes, they deserve our devotion and our belief, and that they're grander than we realised.

"To get to hang out with these guys I believed in so powerfully as a child, and reconnect with them - I mean, now we're buddies, you know? So many kids dream of doing that when they're small, hanging out with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, getting to see how they do what they do. That's my job. That's what I get to do when I write my books and watch this movie - hang out with the guys I thought, as a kid, were the coolest guys in the world. How does it get any better than that?"

Director Ramsey predicts: "It's a world that audiences will want to be a part of. There's adventure and drama, but there's humour too. Every character is really funny and the way they poke fun at each other and argue with each other and work together on this incredibly important mission is inspiring."

Read more about Rise Of The Guardians and stand a chance of winning a super hamper that includes a watch, glitter pens, a snow globe and stationery set www.writingstudio.co.za/page1037.html