If you were someone who grew up in
the 90’s and early 2000’s, you’d be quite familiar with the cartoon series that
came on television of a young journalist who, along with his cute little and
loyal white fox terrier dog, went around the world solving mysteries and
unthinkable adventures. For some, it was the the original comics that the
masterful Hergé created in the late 30’s and 40’s. Oh and yes, you would also
remember a certain ever-so-drunk Captain.
Of course I am talking about Tintin
and his adventures that we all adhered to and just loved more than anything at
a certain stage in our lives. Of course, I was just as excited as any average
‘hardcore’ Tintin fan would be about a first ever film version of the wonderful
franchise. And after 107 minutes of pure nostalgic rush and “blue blistering
barnacles” of adventure, I came out of the cinema with this amazing feeling of
satisfaction and joy. I realized how immaculately true Hergé was when he said
that only Spielberg could do justice to his tuft-haired journalist.
Based on three of the original comic
books – ‘The Crab with the
Golden Claws’, ‘The Secret of the Unicorn’ and ‘Red Rackham’s Tresaure’,
Spielberg creates a world that is very truthful to the one Hergé created, and more so, he only enhances it
with stunning visuals and beautifully crafted animation. But when in today’s
world where incessantly pounding visuals and CGI effects are what create super
hit films, this film goes beyond with stupendous story telling and a masterful
screenplay. The film is a treat in itself and a beautiful tribute from
Spielberg to Hergé, evident throughout every minute of the film’s runtime. So
truthful is the film’s screenplay to the originals that most of the dialogues,
mannerisms and characterizations are a perfect match. But in no way is it less
creative or simple borrowing.
The film takes of from the instant
the beautiful 2D opening credits end, when Tintin (Jamie Bell) comes upon a
miniature of a 17th century ship named Unicorn. Typical to the
comics, the ship holds clues to a lost treasure and Tintin and his loyal dog
Snowy go through adventures of gigantic proportions through a whole continent
in the pursuit, toe to toe with a villainous Ivanovich Sakharine (Daniel
Craig). Along the way, he is aided by the hilarious duo of incompetent
detectives Thomson and Thompson (Nick Frost and Simon Pegg) and none other than
the seafaring, delirious Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis) who has the most vital
link to the complete adventure.
The obvious standout part of the
film is its amazing and spellbinding screenplay by Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright
and Joe Cornish. It works like a charm as you never take your eyes off the
screen and are constantly glued to the edge of the seat. The trio succeed in
giant measures to create a universe which is so true to the Hergé’s and only
build upon it with beautiful storytelling. As if this wasn’t enough, Producer
Peter Jackson’s WETA delivers a stupendous combination of the conventional art
and the marvelous motion capture imagery. Not only are the visuals stunning,
they simply take your breath away. The characters are so true and life-like,
just as you would want them to be, and it really is a triumph for the creative
team of the film. Every frame of the film is so colourfully true to the
originals, I am sure Josette Baujot, the original colourist, would have been
proud of.
The film delivers hugely due to the
absolutely amazing chase sequences, those on the ship and in Africa. Its been
long overdue that we were treated to such extravagant brilliance, and who else
than Steven Spielberg to do just that. Add to it Captain Haddock’s quick wit,
dry humour & short tempered nature that never falls short of rib-cracking
one-liners (“Ten Thousand Thundering Typhoons” is my personal favourite) and
you are treated to bountiful of entertainment of the highest order. John
Williams, the music composer, turns out with one of his most brilliant scores
for the film, that only enhances the whole experience. In short, this is a
complete package of extravaganza for Tintin fans.
As far as the performances go,
everyone from Jamie Bell as Tintin to Daniel Craig as Ivan Sakharine do a
wonderful job. Bell brings the sincerity and optimism of Tintin inch perfectly
to his work. Perhaps Craig’s Sakharine could have been more sinister, but it
isn’t harming the film the way he has done it. A little bit disappointing is
the duo of Simon Pegg & Nick Frost as Thomson & Thompson, but it is
perhaps due to the lack of screen time. Undoubtedly, the one who steals the
show is Andy Serkis as the alcoholic yet at times respectable yet funny,
Captain Archibald Haddock. He creates the character just as Tintin fans have
known it – with immense sarcasm, quick wit and the occasional dry comment.
Every time he is on screen, you will notice you either have a smile on your
face or are rocking your seat with laughter. He has captured the mannerisms of
the character to its fullest and surely puts in a performance worth
remembering.
Where the movie really succeeds is
that it completely satisfies the challenges of being an entertainer for every
kind & age of audience. I am sure every individual will be leaving the
cinema hall with a gleeful face and every Tintin fan – with an unparalleled
sense of satisfaction and joy after watching this masterpiece. It certainly
leaves you with an “unquenchable” thirst for adventure!
4.5/5
Omkar
Divekar
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