The first family film as well as the first animation film in the collection is, Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn.
In 1929 Tintin made his first appearance in a youth paper in Belgium, by 2007 Tintin had been translated into more than 70 languages, spawned a cartoon television series and had sold more than 200 million copies. I remember Sunday mornings watching the cartoon series on channel 4, even up to my late teens when I was first suffering hangovers I would still get up in time to watch the next episode and I'd be surprised if lots of others didn't do the same. Tintin is a great early 1920's character who Herge created to be somewhat realistic and timeless. I was never quite sure as to how old Tintin was supposed to be, was he late teens just starting his career, was he in his early twenties or was he a baby faced experienced reporter in his thirties?
None of that matters of course, what matters is the 2011 Steven Spielberg directed adaptation 'cause lets face it that's what this blog is all about.
When I saw there was gonna be an animated Hollywood film version I was very excited, I have always loved Tintin and so was hoping for great things from the writers and directors. I have to say I wasn't disappointed, but that's not to say I think it is perfect.
The first introduction to Tintin is an amazing testament to his creator and the original artwork. Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish co-wrote the screenplay from Herge's original tales and they did a fantastic job. There is good use of intrigue right from the start that draws you in very quickly to the great mystery we have with 'The Secret of The Unicorn'. Throughout the film they manage to create some great dialogue that is truly inspired.
'My memory isn't the way it used to be' - Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis)
'How was it?' - Tintin (Jamie Bell)
'I've forgotten' - Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis)
So to the cast, Jamie Bell is cast as Tintin who surprised me with how well he fit into the vocal role. When I heard it was Jamie Bell I wasn't sure he would sound quite right, but although there is a change to an English accent rather than the cartoon American, his voice fit perfectly to the point I forgot it was Bell and felt this was the voice Tintin should have always had. The vocal legend that is Andy Serkis is Captain Haddock and much like Bell he nails the accent and voice to the point that you forget it's him and you believe Haddock should always have spoken that way.
With animation films its difficult to judge the chemistry between the actors, lets face it its all carried out by the animators, but there is a level of chemistry between Bell and Surkis that leads me to believe they actually recorded their parts together. The antagonist Sakharine is voiced by Daniel Craig, who I personally feel doesn't fit the appearance of the character. He basically uses his own voice for the visual of a bespectacled middle aged intelligentsia, it just really doesn't work. Completing the main cast we have the comedy duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as Thompson & Thomson, who are astounding and perfectly cast to voice the haphazard detectives. Again I would imagine they recorded their lines together and why not, after the number of roles they have played together they have a comedy connection that few actors ever manage to obtain.
With all animation films the accolades should always go to the graphics team. With this film they have done a marvellous job, the scenery is beautifully detailed, giving a timeless feel, as well as never identifying exactly where Tintin lives. Its so quintessentially English but at the same time continental in its feel. Alongside this the characters are perfectly brought into the modern era but still have a classic quality that pays homage to the classic animation. Steven Speilberg's direction adds the final beautiful touches and makes this a joy to watch.
'Blistering Barnicles' - Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis)
It would be wrong of me to not mention the score created by John Williams, which as always, is perfectly fitting and simply amazing. Further to this I can't not mention Snowy who is an integral part of the Tintin story.
I was entertained all the way through, encapsulated by the animation and the comic writing perfectly brought these classic characters into the modern era of film making. The writers would have had to work hard to make the story unentertaining, Herge's stories were all classic and intriguing. So overall, I have to say that as a Tintin fan I loved this film, but even if you haven't been exposed to many of the classic comics or cartoon series you will still enjoy this film with the whole family.
I hope there will be a sequel soon.....
Farquaard's Score - 4 Star or 9/10
IMDB - 7.3/10 (183,514)
Metascore - 68 (40 Critic Reviews)
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