Peter Ramsey’s William Joyce adaptation is one of the most underrated animated films of the 2010s, a stirring fantasy adventure with some of the most gorgeous imagery the studio has ever produced.

| Sep 25, 2024

As with The Avengers, each of the characters is given their time to shine and is nicely developed, while a tidy sense of humour sparkles on top of the darker undercurrents of the story.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 6, 2023

[The film] has an intriguing premise that makes you wish the writers had spent more time developing the conflict.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Sep 21, 2022

Rise of the Guardians isn't a masterpiece, but it's an enjoyable film and very well suited for this time of year.

| Original Score: 3.0/4.0 | Sep 21, 2020

As a movie geared for the entire family, this fires on all cylinders, from the exquisitely detailed animation to the thought-out character development.

| Original Score: A- | Jul 29, 2020

[Rise of the Guardians] invokes a charm and sweetness that is different to other animated films out there.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Nov 26, 2019

I'm sure [it] will be a big hit, and kids will eat it up. But as much as I might try to simulate their point of view, I can only see it through my own battered eyeballs, which feel like they've aged 10 years in the 90 minutes spent watching it.

| Jul 29, 2019

If you don't enjoy this you probably don't like Christmas

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 25, 2019

It's one of [Dreamworks'] best animated films for sure.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Feb 12, 2019

This erratic flurry of light and colour is made more than bearable thanks to a script full of real warmth and a collection of incredibly well drawn characters who truly capture the magic of childhood wonder.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 6, 2019

Rise of the Guardians is blithe and lovely, smart and funny. It's an honest-to-goodness family film that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.

| Original Score: B+ | Jan 30, 2019

While Rise isn't destined to be a new holiday classic...its a mostly well-crafted film with an excellent cast and a dizzying array of visual treats.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Nov 2, 2018

Rise of the Guardians has some great concepts, but ultimately needed a much more original story to make it seem more like the fresh idea it genuinely is.

| Original Score: 7.5/10 | Nov 1, 2018

While the heroes of DreamWorks' film claim to be the guardians of childhood, their tattooed, hoodied posturing actually diminishes it.

| Jun 19, 2018

Some of the best animation I've seen in quite some time.

| Mar 5, 2018

Charming, sweet and enchanting, but not without its flaws, Rise of the Guardians is the hopeful, feel-good movie for kids that's fitting for holiday movie watching with the family.

| Original Score: B | Sep 7, 2017

[Rise of the Guardians] acknowledges the courage of children and teaches the audience to see the signs and symbols of life more deeply and to listen to good inspiration.

| Aug 9, 2017

Just interesting and colorful enough to hold a child's attention for 90 minutes but a thundering bore for anyone that's been around the cinematic block.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Apr 17, 2016

The film has a square-jawed elegance that occasionally hits a note of grandeur when it's not just being silly.

Full Review | May 3, 2015

Energetic animation and a handful of amusing character touches help, but they can't compensate for the paper-thin story and muddled messages.

| Jul 27, 2013