Intrepid reporter, Tintin, and his trusty dog Snowy, embark on a quest for sunken treasure with the permanently inebriated Captain Haddock. Adventure, mishaps and comedy ensue as they are trailed by the mysterious Mr Sakharine; not so sweet. The animation is stunning.
For those of us who grew up watching the flat animation Hergé’s Adventures of Tintin’ on television during those long summer holidays, we may come seeking a little nostalgia. You will indeed meet old friends in the form of Tintin, Captain Haddock, Thomson and Thompson, Bianca Castafiore, Red Rackham et al.. For those not of that vintage or just oblivious to the charm, adventure and fun of the Belgian Herge’s comic stories (published between 1929 and 1976) you’ll get a very pleasant surprise with this romp and, despite its comic origins, it also delivers on suspense. However, all this is nearly by the by as what will grab you right from the opening scenes, as Tintin wanders through a Brussels market, is how the film looks. Steven Spielberg’s first animated move is absolutely beautiful and, at times, it is very hard to believe that the characters and their settings are not real; such is the quality of the motion capture work. Gorgeous colours and sumptuous scenes that will remain with you. You may return just as you would to a great painting. At the end of the day, this is a great bit of fun and a visual feast.
Apparently, Spielberg approached James Cameron to ask if he could use his visual effects company, Weta Digital, in order to produce a live action Tintin. Cameron, also a big Tintin fan, convinced Spielberg that Tintin could only be done as an animation. Thank goodness.
Certificate: PG
1 hour 47 min
Prime, YouTube
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig
