A movie that appeals to both kids and adults

Rating: 10/10 (26 March 2014)

This is one of those rare animated (so-called) children's movies that will appeal to both kids and adults. At least *I* was totally captivated by it. You won't feel out of place watching this with your friends without kids in tow, though there'll probably be many around.
The Boogeyman has come to threaten the whole world's children's belief in the "Big 4" figures called Guardians here - Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and the Sandman, and it's up to a new reluctant and disillusioned guy, Jack Frost, to save them all. I loved how Santa's portrayed as Russian-like, the Easter Bunny is a militant were-rabbit- like giant with an Australian accent and the Sandman is a cute golden pudgy fellow who's apparently the most powerful of the 4. The characterisations of the tooth fairy and Jack Frost seemed appropriate to me.
The story reminded me of Neil Gaiman's "American Gods" - the Guardians derive their power and, to a large extent, their being, from the believing children. I think of it as a metaphor too - the world is a darker place without hope. And the adults and mature kids will find deeper meaning in some of the dialogue - Santa/Christmas being about wonder, Easter being about new life, etc.
The humor employed was appropriate and well-done. Sure, there's the occasional physical humor, but there're also the funnily-biting insults and quick comebacks. I thought the animation was top-notch - not in terms of realism or its technical aspects, but in generating the appropriate atmosphere and mood of each scene.
And yes, there are the touching moments. "Jack, he sees you!" is one that almost brought tears to my eyes. I'm not a sappy person, but anyone who's experienced loneliness and ostracism before will understand the feeling.
I really loved this film. It is one of the few films which managed to bring me back to my childhood, remembering the innocent years when I believed in fairies and Santa Claus, and now reminding me to keep wondering (as in awe, not puzzlement), believing, and hoping.