Family Pick: The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
The Adventures of Tintin was a movie I hardly expected to ever see, let alone enjoy immensely. But how could anybody who appreciates cinema in the slightest not be drawn to the talent who lovingly brought the decades-old comics to the screen? Directed by Steven Spielberg, with production help from Peter Jackson and featuring a screenplay written in part by the immaculate Edgar Wright, The Adventures of Tintin is a thrilling adaptation that fans and newcomers alike can and will enjoy.
For those whose only knowledge of the comics comes from high school French classes, Spielberg and company ease newcomers into the world of Tintin with a rousing journey that begins with a model ship and leads to motorcycle rocket-launcher battles and disastrous plane crashes, among other events. What’s most surprising about The Adventures of Tintin is how intense the action can be, with some set pieces on par with Spielberg’s most memorable works.
Rounding out the excellent design is a cast headed by Jamie Bell and Andy Serkis, featuring work from Daniel Craig, Nick Frost and Simon Pegg, giving parents a dose of comedy to enjoy. This leads to my only criticism, admitting that The Adventures of Tintin might not be quite enjoyable enough for younger children. While there’s nothing wrong in the way of content, European sensibilities and intense action will probably be more exciting for older kids and their parents.
Still, for a bit of rousing action done Spielberg-style infused with wit and incredible intrigue, families should definitely embark on The Adventures of Tintin.