To assume that an animated movie inherently signals material fit for children is, quite simply, childish. Animation allows for impossible scenes and stories to be visualized without spending billions of dollars, while letting the creators express themes and ideas that don't translate well in a live-action movie. Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole is a fantastic movie that parents might feel inclined to show their children. But they should be prepared to explain some things once the movie's finished. Like the concepts of kidnapping, child soldiers, betrayal, slavery, fascism, and why this is relevant in today's world.
Maybe you don't feel like explaining the horrors of the world to a child. You just want them to enjoy a silly story with talking owls...that happens to contain all of those elements. Legend of the Guardians isn't all doom and gloom, though it may feel like it near the end. It is filled with lighthearted humor, fun characters, silly dialogue and it doesn't feel like it's forcing the "cute factor." Indeed, everything feels quite natural. These characters are adorable and the visuals allow for amazing set pieces that are literally breathtaking at times.
Zack Snyder may be better known for his films involving graphic violence, adult themes, and bleak worldviews, but he stretches here and it proves to be a success. The movie deals with serious topics while framing it in a relatable "ragtag group on an epic quest" mold. Action scenes which might be normally hard to decipher (admit it, 3D CG movies get difficult and blurry when moving quickly) are actually helped by Snyder's liberal use of slow-motion. This feels like a typical Snyder movie, just toned down enough to allow for a PG rating. "Typical Snyder movie" might mean different things to different people but it's positive here. You could do a lot worse when looking for an animated action-comedy that's appropriate for children.
Score: 4 out of 5
Confused about our scoring system? Read this explanation.
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