Legend of the Guardians: the Owls of Ga’Hoole

Note: Many thanks to @gemkapram for giving me her tickets to the 3D red carpet premiere of the movie at Leicester Square. And I got to see Jim Sturgess within 2 feet of me and managed to not squeal and ask him to just hug me. Much to be thankful for. Also, got this cool two-sided door hanger and the tattoo set (which I’m not sure I’ll use, but it’s so cute!) at the premiere.

On with the review:

Starring Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe, 21) and Ryan Kwanten (True Blood) as owl-brothers Soren and Kludd, supported by Helen Mirren (Nyra), Miriam Margoyles (Mrs P) and Sam Neill (Allomere). Rivalry between the two brothers Soren and Kludd already exists when they’re captued by the evil minions of the Pure Ones, an evil army of owls that want to rule the owl kingdom. Kludd, tired of his dreamer brother, decides to join the Pure Ones and abandon his brother and family. Soren eventually escapes and with a motley crew goes on a quest to find the Guardians – the legendary owls of Ga’Hoole, who once defeated the Pure Ones in battle.

That’s all I’ll say about the plot, although I wouldn’t be revealing much if I said more – the movie is based on a series of books I must confess I haven’t read before. However, it’s an interesting movie from the studio that gave us Happy Feet. The soundtrack is fun, featuring a track (To the Sky) from a band I’ve grown to love – Owl City (You see what they did there? A song about flying. From OWL city. Smart). I did enjoy the instrumentals played when Soren learns to “fly from the inside” very much. The characters are well-etched, although I felt certain spots were rushed, especially the training portions (when both Kludd and Soren undergo their respective training). I felt more could have been shown there, but I assume there were time restraints.

I saw the movie in 3D and it was quite good actually. There are some parts in the beginning of the movie where the owls really seem to fly in front of your nose. Gradually, the 3D settles down and you become actively aware of it again during battle sequences, which were fun to watch. I’m quite certain the movie is equally enjoyable in 2D, but because this is a movie where the characters are flying a lot, 3D makes it look cooler. Although, would I pay to see the movie in 3D? Personally, no. Would I go watch this movie? Yes – because I like animated movies and Jim Sturgess.

I kid. Or not.

Anyway, I do like animated movies and this one had a decent, if not an oft-told story of good and evil. As far as I know, there are more books in the series, so there is a possibility of further movies in this franchise.

Hoot if you want to see more.

*hoots*