Released December 21, 2011
Review by Thomas Demerath
The Adventures of Tintin marks the first time a western film has come to China before it debuted America. After his boycott of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Steven Spielberg wanted to give back to everyone's favorite Peoples Republic. While Georges Remi's (pen name Hergé) Tintin comic was one of the greatest accomplishments of any Belgian that didn't involve chocolate or beer, its success was primarily in Europe. Tintin and Snowy were household names in much of the world throughout the 20th Century because of hundreds of animated episodes that were translated into over fifty languages. The comics outsold some holy scriptures in their prime. As Disney, Hanna-Barbera and Warner Brothers capitalized on Hollywood, places like New York with "Eurofluences" had glimpses of Hergé's masterpiece. The result of that presence are modern artist's like Warhol and Liechtenstein who credit the Belgian illustrator as a major influence.
The Adventures of Tintin series that was made in the 20th century didn't age well. Children would have never experienced the lovable and interesting characters if it wasn't for Spielberg and producer and Peter Jackson. The duo used their expertise at creating movies that appeal to a wide variety of people and ages. The animation is a perfect mix of reality and cartoon. Based off of three different episodes of Tintin from the 1940's, the classic feeling and 21st century 3-D animation in this movie is great. Landscapes and action sequences that leap off the screen and are one of this film's many strengths. The tale follows Tintin, a young detective who constantly asks his dog Snowy analytical questions and interacts with a slew of fascinating and goofy characters. Unlike Pixar movies where all voices are recognizable, in this film, actors like Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg and Jamie Bell are the lone stars.
With a son, daughter, nephew, niece, or even a significant other, this is the time of year to see a feel good movie. Warm up with a sight that may be all too familiar for Hollywood, but be assured that THIS remake is done well and revives a worldly classic. Tintin will be nominated for an Oscar for good reason. It is a quality film that carries on animation traditions, and in true Jackson and Spielberg fashion, they will be making the Tintin trilogy.
