Review - Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole

Confusing, Muddled, But Visually Stunning

Legends are great stories that dot the landscape of all cultures. Usually they are somehow rooted in truth, but changed over the years. The owl community has always shared the story of the Legend of the Guardians. The Guardians are a group of owls that protect the weak and look over all that is right in Ga’Hoole.

But in every classic struggle, there is both good and evil. There are owls lead by Metal Beak that want revenge and would like nothing better than to see the end of the Guardians.

In the midst of the struggle Soren (Jim Sturgess) and his brother Kludd (Ryan Kwanten) are kidnapped and on the verge of joining the fight against the Guardians. But while Soren sees danger; Kludd believes this is his new family and the two separate. Now can Soren and his new friends find the Guardians and warn them of the impending struggle before it’s too late?

Zack Snyder directs a film that ostensibly looks to be a happy go lucky animated excursion. The owls look great, and they look great in 3D when it is shown that way. Visuals, however, can only get you so far.

Legend of the Guardians struggles with a very tedious and sometimes confusing storyline that takes adults like this critic time to comprehend. It felt muddled and bogged down at times, then jumped into action sequences to break things up.

And the action sequences, while amazing to look at as animation, are fierce and will cause nightmares for those that are easily scared. I wouldn’t recommend anyone who has kids that scare easily to go see this film, as the actions sequences may keep you up at night with them.

A great visual spectacle, this film struggles with the identity of who will see it. Older boys, even into their 20’s and 30’s will probably love the action, but alas, it seems that only younger boys may be in the theater for this. I would say maybe 10 and up because of the action could easily handle this, but mature younger boys may see it as their choice film or the week.

C+

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole
Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: Zack Snyder
Cast: Jim Sturgess, Emily Barclay, Abbie Cornish, Helen Mirren

Rating: PG for some sequences of scary action.
Runtime: 90 minutes.