Rating: PG
Running Time: 90 mins
Release Date: 30 September 2010
Check cinema guide for locations and screening times
http://www.legendoftheguardians.com
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole is one of the many computer animated family films to be released for these school holidays. It is based on the popular book series Guardians of Ga’Hoole by Kathryn Lasky with the screenplay by John Orloff and John Collee. Harking back to the old days of cinema the screening is preceded by a short animation, Fur of Flying featuring Wile E, Coyote and Road Runner.
Production took place in Australia hence many accents are Australian which does take some getting use to initially. Soren (Jim Sturgess) a young owl loves hearing his father Noctus (Hugo Weaving) relate the adventures of the legendary Guardians of Ga’Hoole who are sworn to protect the owl kingdom. As does his doting younger sister Eglantine (Adrienne deFaria) however older brother Kludd (Ryan Kwanten) dismisses these tales and Soren as a dreamer. One night the brothers are captured and taken to St Aegolius Academy for orphaned owls run by Nyra (Helen Mirren) and Metalbeak (Joel Edgerton). Their evil aim is to lead an army of “pure ones” against the Guardians to establish their breed as the superior, pure race. Soren manages to escape with Elf Owl Gylfie (Emily Barclay) and sets off to seek help from the Guardians, meeting up with Great Grey Owl Twilight (Anthony LaPaglia), Burrowing Owl Digger (David Wenham) and their nursemaid Mrs P. (Miriam Margolyes) along the way.
This animated fantasy feature from director Zack Snyder (300 and Watchmen) uses the 3D format effectively to draw in the audience rather than alienate them with constant barrage of in your face images. He obviously brings his action experience to the fore in this film. Though no blood is actually shed it has violent overtones as the warring sides take to battle hence the PG rather than G rating. Digital Effect company, Animal Logic (Happy Feet) was involved and the superb detailing of owl’s feathers, expressions and flight scenes highlights their skill. The battle scenes made use of slow mo with great effect however it was still confusing at times to know which feathers belonged to which bird. Luckily the battle scenes were kept appropriately short. Overall a well told story with great voiceovers from all the cast with some nice brit accents thrown in from Helen Mirren (The Queen) and Miriam Margoyles (Happy Feet, Babe) to relieve us of this mainly aussie cast. Interestingly English actor Jim Sturgess (21, Crossing Over) had to adopt an Australian accent for his role of Storen in keeping with his owl family’s aussie strine. It’s also at a kid friendly length of 90mins.
3/5 stars
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