Film review: The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn

I am absolutely sure that every British Person over the age of 16 knows who the legendary Tintin is, or they at least have a basic idea of the adventures he and his loyal companion Snowy embarked on. If not, then shame on you, your childhood was wasted.

The character Tintin was created by George Remi under the alias Herge and soon became one of the most popular comic books in Europe, which led to two animated series (1958-1962, 1991-1992) and five feature films released between 1947 and 1972.

Now Steven Speilberg has brought Herge’s classic character back to the big screen in the newly released CGI spectacular.

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn boasts a stellar cast consisting of Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot) Simon Pegg (Hot fuzz and Shawn of the dead) and Daniel Craig ( Quantum of solace and Casino Royale) and an impressive production team, with director Spielberg, producer Peter Jackson, and writer Edgar Wright.

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This is definitely pleasing to the eye, with outstanding animation which is so good you at times forget it is an animated movie at all. This has pushed the boundaries of animation and it is something that the likes of Pixar will have to work hard to match.

The film starts with Tintin (Jamie Bell) instantly drawn to an antique ship which he then buys. After refusing to sell it to a very egger American man and a posh English man, he takes the ship home only to have it smashed by his bouncy cat hating dog/sidekick, Snowy. As the ship smashes a hidden clue falls under his furniture. After a while he finds this clue and then sets out to find out what it means only to be kidnapped by the old English man who we then find out is the evil Ivanovich Sakharine (Daniel Craig.) After escaping his kidnappers Tintin finds Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis) and sets out trying to find the meaning of this mysterious ship and its hidden secrets.

The film was quick paced, full of action, chases and fights, but I still found myself bored. If you are expecting to have the same response to this as you did during your childhood prepare to be disappointed. The cinema was full of children who did find it hilarious and exciting, but most adults will find they have outgrown this children’s tale.

The editing perfectly fit the classic Tintin style, allowing your imagination to fill in the blank spots and in terms of nostalgia it is treated in a way that will keep old-school fans satisfied.

Check out Tintin for its wonderful visual treats, and as a bit of childhood nostalgia and it will be an enjoyable watch.

Film review: The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn

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