The new 3D family film Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole is now playing in theaters. The movie is based on the chileren's book series by Kathryn Lasky, and it stays pretty true to the target age group. Young children may be frightened by owlnappings and violent battles between good and evil owls, some of which also involve blood thirsty bats. For older kids, however, it may depend on whether or not they read the books.
I can easily compare and contrast Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole with The Last Airbender. Both films are adapted from epic stories that were originally written for the 8-14 age group. Where The Last Airbender was bashed for the horrible 3D and poor visuals, Legends of the Guardians is the complete oppisite with stunning animated scenery delivered masterfully and fully in eyepopping 3D; however, Legends has the exact same storytelling problem as The Last Airbender. They try to fit way to many events and chracters into too little time to tell the story well.
For those who have read the books, Legends of the Guardians will be a fun sort of highlight reel with some details changed. Those who haven't read the books may have a time keeping up with what is going on and why. The movie critically lacks the set-up, story development, and character development that made the Ga'Hoole tale so gripping. In this way, the movie is a huge disappointment. Though I would still say it's an action adventure movie worth seeing, provided kids are old enough to handle largely bloodless but graphic owl violence and peril throughout.
- Legends of the Guardians Review for Parents
- Legends of the Guardians Movie Trailer and Info
(Photo courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures)
Family Films
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