THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN

Reviewed by Paul Gibbs

Grade: A+

Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost

Based on the books by Herge

Screenplay by Steven Moffat and Edgar Wright & Joe Cornish

Directed by Steven Spielberg

When celebrated filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson announced they were teaming for a three-movie adaptation of The Adventures of Tintin, American audiences responded with a resounding “What?” Upon learning that Tintin was a beloved comic book character from Belgium, Americans responded with a resounding “Isn't that where they make the waffles?” Understandably, Spielberg and Jackson decided that the audience for Tintin lie primarily in Europe, and release their new motion-capture extravaganza first overseas, where it cleaned up at the box office, already clearing its production costs by $100 million, and guaranteeing that a sequel will be made (the first film is directed by Spielberg. Jackson will helm the second).

The good news is, audiences members don't need to be familiar with the comics to thoroughly enjoy the movie, though those of us who have read the comics will be delighted by the way the film captures the spirit of adventure and sense of humor of artist/writer Herge's work. The Adventures of Tintin (subtitled The Secret of The Unicorn for its European release) begins with a jazzy, entertaining animated title sequence that recalls Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can, or the Blake Edwards Pink Panther films, setting up the story of the young reporter (Jamie Bell) and his adventures. We then arrive in the mo-cap streets of post-World War II Paris, where Tintin and his faithful dog snowy purchase an old model of a sailing ship, the Unicorn. Another man, the vaguely menacing Ivan Ivanovich Sakharine (Daniel Craig) also wants the model ship, and shortly after Tintin takes the item home, it appears to be stolen, making Sakharine the obvious suspect. Tintin seeks after the missing ship, leading him into a series of adventures that introduces him to Captain Archibald Haddock (Andy Serkis), a well-meaning but buffoonish and drunken sea captain whose ancestor commanded the real Unicorn.

Much has been written about motion capture animation in the past, particular as used in the works of filmmaker Robert Zemeckis (The Polar Express). Jackson's Weta Digital has ironed out the flaws in the technology, making for eye-popping, gorgeous animation that never feels distracted, nor features the “Dead-eye” look. And, of course, Spielberg remains the master of action directing, giving us some thrilling and astounding sequences which rival his best Indiana Jones stunt spectaculars. One chase scene in particular, shot all in one setup, allows Spielberg a freedom of shot selection which would be impossible in live action, and would be worth the price of admission on its own (even at the inflated 3D-IMAX price), and ranks with the great Spielbergian action set pieces. Spielberg clearly had the time of his life playing with the motion capture toys, and that sense of fun extends to the audiences. He is so freed by the limitless possibilities of the virtual camera that it's hard to imagine any filmmaker could watch this and not want to attempt a mo-cap film. The Adventures of Tintin is as much fun an action/adventure movie as we've seen in many a year.

The cast is amiable and entertaining, with Bell's Tintin likable, if a bit nondescript (a trait he takes directly from the comic book character). Craig makes a terrific dastardly villain, and Simon Pegg and Nick Frost redeem themselves from the dud that was Paul with their amusing turns as Inspectors Thomson and Thompson, too seemingly interchangeable, buffoonish policemen. But the standout of the actors is, without question, Serkis, who steals every scene he's in with his hilarious portrayal of Captain Haddock. With this and Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Serkis has given what I consider to be the two most entertaining performances of 2011.

So, don't worry about whether you have any idea what Tintin is, and take a chance on his big screen adventure. It's one of the most enjoyable popcorn movies of 2011, and the prospect of a franchise is welcome.

The Adventures of Tintin is rated PG for action violence, Haddock's boozing, and one crack about “animal husbandry”.