The Adventures of Tintin

I'm an unashamed Spielberg and Jackson Fan, when its a rainy day or I'm feeling Low its Jaws or Raiders that go into the DVD player. Of Jackson's films its The Frighteners, or Braindead. So to see a film that is a marriage of these two cinematic titans and to see it at the close of the old year I was excited to say the least.
     Tintin being European is part of my youth, summer holidays were marked by morning programming geared to entertain kids on those rainy days that prohibited playing outside. Herge's adventures of Tintin was s regular staple. For me as a kid it wasn't Tintin that kept me glued to the screen more it was the Thompson twins and Captain Haddock. With a Blistering barnacles you knew fun was on the cards.
     Prior to the films release back in October my wife had treated me to the purchase of the Art of book, yet another brilliant Weta publication which not only allows you in on the creative process but in such a way that does not give too much away about the films story.
     So I went in with high expectations and came away with one great big smile on my face. This film from the opening titles quickly propels you into the almost photo realistic world of Herge"s creation. Weta have once again thrown us a game changer, the play of light , their skillful character designs which capture Tintin's  essence and world without any sense of artificiality.
     Stephen Moffat, Joe Cornish and Edgar Wright bring a European sensibility to the tale, it starts off slowly quickly establishing the main plot then propels you at pace through action and plot. All this with an emphasis on fun and once Captain Haddock arrives on screen the real fun begins. This is a film with Spielberg firing on all cylinders and his joy comes across on the screen with infectious enthusiasm and outrageous action setpieces concluding with a breathtaking crane battle. This is a joy to watch and family friendly fare and I hope there are more tales to come.
      In closing a special mention for the excellant use of 3D, animation of course lends itself well to the medium and in this film its use just shines, so if you get the chanced this would be my preferred viewing option.