It's sort of a holiday-themed Avengers in the decently charming fantasy adventure film Rise of the Guardians. When evil boogieman Pitch Black threatens the magical beliefs of children, the moon assembles five legendary figures to stand against him. There's the flibbertigibbet Tooth Fairy, the mute Sandman, an Australian Easter Bunny, a bombastic Russian Santa Claus (played by Alex Baldwin) and poor self-doubting Jack Frost. The result, based on the children's novels by William Joyce and produced by Guillermo del Toro, is an enchanting enough salute to holiday magic. Props should also go to Dreamworks' animation department, who put together some spectacularly choreographed 3D fight scenes taking place in any number of fantastical worlds. Plus, you'll get to hear Hugh Jackman at his most Aussie voicing an adorbz little bunny bun bun. The perfect Christmas treat!
