Not the best Steven Spielberg film, although close to it.
Not even the best treasure-hunting Spielberg film, although as far as Indiana Jones films go, it comes pretty good.
Oh wait, it's not an Indie film. That's a shame.
The best thing about this film is by far the animation, and there I only have one complaint; flawlessness. It relies too heavily on making everything very detailed, which is phenomenal, even if it feels awkward at times. But in coming that close to reality, even if altered, it highlights the fault of CGI and that is it's reliance on perfection.
One of the exciting things about film is serendipity, and this film lacks it, and that makes it a bit tedious marvel to watch.
Having said that, the animation is refreshing. And that, in conjunction with the music, are astounding. Between the two, Spielberg could have done a story about anything at all, and that feels like a huge let down.
At times it seems that the decision to make Tintin into an animated film (Spielberg's first) was in part due to the fact that it allows Spielberg an excuse to do what he normally couldn't. A prime example is the cranes épée scene, which is stunning to see, but in the end, what is gained.
Truly gained?
Nothing really.
My problem with this film, is not that it's bad. Because it's not. It really isn't. But it's not outstanding, and that it could have been. It does, though, stand as a true testament to Spielberg's total fixation with the technical and technological side of film. And that's OK. There's nothing wrong with that, but you have to know that going into this film.
Although a minor blip, 2011 will ultimate be known as the year of the fetish. Most notably for two of films' greatest directors venturing into uncharted territory usually reserved for more pop-style fare. One is the heretofore mentioned Tintin, the other is Scorsese's glorious 3D wonder blast of a film Hugo (2011). But whereas Martin Scorsese's film comes across as an academic and nostalgic look at the history of film, carefully planned and executed. Spielberg's film comes across as hedonistic, and even self-aware (read: narcissistic).
In true Spielberg fashion, the action and drama are punctuated with really funny dialogue and interactions, as well as jovial sequences which help to break down the fact that the film is too long for what it was trying to do.
Rent this film, don't stream it, it's worth the better quality although not the $20-$30 to buy it. If you can rent it in Blu-ray, even better. Otherwise wait until the price goes down, and considering that two sequels are already planned, the price will precipitate soon, keep an eye out.
Enjoy.
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