Movie Review: 'The Adventures of Tintin'

The Adventures of Tintin Starring Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig, Andy Serkis Directed by Steven Spielberg Rated PG

Tintin is one of the most iconic European comic characters, if not the most.  He was created in Belgium by Herge back in the 1920's, and maintained a strong presence up through the 1970's, and had several attempts at reincarnation since.  While I'm by no means complaining at this visually wonderful movie The Adventures of Tintin, I still find it interesting that Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson decided to bring Tintin back to life in such an extravagant way to a generation that basically has no idea who Tintin is.  However, I do hope this allows a fresh generation to learn about Tintin, his loyal dog Snowy, and the rest of a very colorful and entertaining cast of characters.

Set around the 1940's Tintin tales of The Crab with the Golden Claws (1941), The Secret of the Unicorn (1943), and Red Rackham's Treasure (1944), we find Tintin (Jamie Bell) and his dog Snowy out and about in the market, where Tintin spies a very unique ship model for sale.  Just after he purchases it, he receives two offers for it immediately: one from a mysterious American, and one from Ivanovich Sakharine (Daniel Craig).  By his own curious and clever nature, Tintin finds himself accidently involved in a mystery dated back hundreds of years, teamed up with the drunken Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis), the bumbling inspectors Thompson and Thomson (Simon Pegg and Nick Frost) against Ivanovich and his men.

To begin with probably the most obvious aspect of this film, the performance capture technology Spielberg uses is simply incredible.  It's clean, vibrant, and so realistic that there were times I could swear I was watching a live action film.  They could have done that, I suppose, but the animation technology allowed for some beautiful settings and colorful characters, especially those with some larger than life noses.  However, the benefits of this film being filmed in this manner really comes to life during the action sequences; Tintin battling foes on a ship, or chasing after the clues to long lost treasure through a crowded city while a dam collapses behind him.  This is just some stuff you can't really get the full effect with in live action.

The cast was also impressive, with the relatively unknown Jamie Bell bringing Tintin to life (well, unknown compared to his supporting cast).  Daniel Craig gave Ivanovich that extra push to become a really evil villain, and Andy Serkis as Captain Haddock probably stole the show.  However, when they had screen time, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost has some excellent repertoire as Thompson and Thomson. Either way, kids will love Snowy, and adults will find the humor in Haddock's antics.

But probably the most disappointing part of The Adventures of Tintin was the character of Tintin.  In comparison, he felt the least developed; all we know is that he's a journalist that has a knack for solving mysteries and crimes.  It seemed he was just the pivot point to give this story a push, but we never quite figure out why he cares so much, or why he gets so involved (except to get a good story).  I'm not too familiar with the comic, so I'm sure there's more to this character than we're seeing here, especially considering a couple rapid mood swings later in the film.  It's just too bad we didn't get that in the film.  Heck, even Snowy feels like a more developed character than Tintin.

Actually, after doing some research, it seems this is how Tintin was in the comics as well.  And I get that, he's the pivot point for creating and moving along stories as a main storyteller, but in the film the dynamic contrast between the characters of Tintin and Captain Haddock (especially with that performance by Andy Serkis) it becomes extremely noticeable how bland Tintin can be.  I like that they're keeping true to the comic, but for a film, and with how great Andy Serkis does, this detail really sticks out like a sore thumb.

That being said, Steven Spielberg does a great job at bringing this beloved comic character to life, presenting it in a very exceptional way.  It's also curious to note that this film was released in the foreign box office back on October 26th, where it has grossed over $200 million to date.  Could this be a sign of a sequel?  There's a strong possibility, as the film certainly sets itself up for more of Tintin, Haddock, and Snowy.

Comments

[Visu]

"I still find it interesting that Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson decided to bring Tintin back to life in such an extravagant way to a generation that basically has no idea who Tintin is."

The reason the film is extravagant and was released in foreign territories in October itself is because Tintin is very famous all over the world except US. This shows from the box office receipts. Spielberg & Jackson were hoping that the international box office would create buzz in US and people would become curious and come see the movie.

There are 2 more movies planned with Peter Jackson directing one of them.

Spielberg & Jackson are huge fans of Tintin series. When Raiders of the Lost Ark was released in 1980, the European reviews said it was like Tintin. After reading those reviews Spielberg checked out the whole series and became such a huge fan of the series that he bought the rights in 1982. Tintin creator Herge was impressed with Raiders and knew that Spielberg would do justice to the series.

I saw the movie in early November in IMAX 3D was very impressed with it. I would give it at least 4 Abiding Dudes.