OK for kids 9+
Whirlwind animated adventure is a visual treat for tweens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this Steven Spielberg-directed adaptation of Herge's classic Tintin comic books is sure to delight adventure-loving tweens. The action is virtually nonstop and includes swashbuckling pirate violence, explosions, kidnapping, and gun shots. Some of the scenes might be too peril-filled for younger elementary-aged viewers, but kids who like Indiana Jones-style fun will be entertained. Of more concern to some parents may be the fact that one of the main characters is perpetually drunk or looking for his next shot of whisky throughout much of the movie; others disapprove of his behavior, but it's a big part of the film. That aside, with its teen hero and a suspenseful plot full of high-seas intrigue, The Adventures of Tintin is an ideal animated adventure for middle-graders and up.
- Families can talk about The Adventures of Tintin's action violence. Is all of it necessary to the story? Is it OK for movies aimed at kids to have violence? Parents should remember that even the most family-friendly movies can contain surprisingly scary elements.
- How does the movie portray drinking? Are there consequences for it? Are they realistic? Is it appropriate for a character in a kids' movie to drink as often as the Captain does?
- For those familiar with the comic books -- how does the movie compare? Are the characters depicted as you expected from following Tintin's adventures in print?
The good stuff
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Messages: Tintin proves that one person -- a young one at that -- can make a huge difference.
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Role models: Tintin is courageous, industrious, and incredibly smart. Though young, he lives independently, with only Snowy to keep him company. He single-handedly figures out a mystery and is intrepid about discovering the truth. And even in the face of danger, he helps others, like Captain Haddock.
What to watch for
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Violence: Quite a bit of action violence, particularly the sequences featuring the pirates. Characters use guns, and there are also explosions, swords, razors, and fires that Tintin, Snowy, and Captain Haddock must try to evade. People are shot, chased, and threatened several times throughout the adventure. Much of the action is portrayed as humorous, especially the scenes with the bumbling inspectors. One secondary character dies by gunshot, and there's a bit of blood.
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Sex: Not an issue
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Language: One "damned," plus mild exclamations and insults like "dolt," "great snakes," "blooming barnacles," and "poofed up ginger."
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Consumerism: The movie is based on the popular Tintin comic books and has spawned many tie-ins, such as a video game and figurines.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Captain Haddock is drunk or drinking through most of the movie; his drink of choice is whisky, and he often slurs his words and acts tipsy. Other characters disapprove, and he eventually reforms. There are also drinks at a fancy reception.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Very creative, go go go adventure, stylish by patriciakapp
My kids & husband really appreciated it. It was a little nutty for me, but I am too practical - if you suspend reality, you will enjoy it. It is very safe for kids (no blood, but lots of swashbuckling).
2
Good film for the kids by RandytheMovieFan
Had some exciting scenes and a clever dog, but this movie generally fell flat for me. The animation varies from Polar Express creepy to very realistic, which in itself was distracting. The John Williams music was Indiana Jones-lite, and the silly Interpol cops voiced by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost were just embarrassing. Maybe I expected too much. but it felt suitable only for the very young.
5
What took them sooo long??!! GO-IT'S GREAT IN 3D/IMAX by midwicket
Having been a Tintin fan since the late 1960's, I wasn't sure what to expect with "The Adventures of Tintin". But Steven Speilberg has done it again!
For those who are familiar with Herge's series will know that the movie contains a combined story line from the "The Crab with the Golden Claw" & "The Secret of the Unicorn" with the indefatigable Castafiore thrown in, who, by the way was a wonderful addition. When the script wavered from the books, instead of being daft, silly, or superfluous, value & emphasis is added to the scene.
The graphics is amazing. For example, in the close up shots, one could see the skin's pores and soft hairs that everyone has on their face; the veins in the characters arms and with the clothes that the characters wore, one could almost feel the material!
Early in the movie, Tintin was in the market getting a portrait drawn, which when displayed, the caricature or cartoon is as he appears in the Herge books to how he is in the movie was striking!
5
TInTin by rashadxll
I don't know how a lot of my friend have not even hear of TINTIN before. I used to watch the show all the time when I was younger. (21) I thought Steven Spielberg did a good job creating the characters on the big screen. If you are a TINTIN fan from back on the cartoons then you will love this movie. It was good for all ages and keeps you interested from beginning to the end. So go ahead! Great film.
Rashadxll
5
The Adventures of Tintin by erok741
This movie was 'Tintastic'! Great for children and adults alike the animation was detailed and realistic. The story was smart but not too complicated as Tintin, ageless intrepid European journalist takes us on a journey and adventure to find the secret of the ancient sailing vessel 'The Unicorn' and solve its mystery! The action is well-paced and held the interest of my 8 and 11 year old boys!
Great work Spielberg and Nickelodeon!
4
Two teen video hounds rate this high by tikk
Good animation with interesting story that drew us in and kept us interested. Liked this better than Pirates of the Caribbean. Tintin is a young adult investigative reporter whose travels to find the truth lead to intrigue and danger. His sidekick is a Westie terrier. Pre-schoolers would be bored but otherwise the movie is good for all ages.
5
Extremely Fun Adventure by belleville
The fashion of speech and humour in Tintin made me feel as if I was transported into the mid-20th century! I applaud the script and it's writers. A complete and terrifically fun adventure left me in such an uplifted mood, I just might see it again sometime. The Adventures of Tintin is great fun for all ages. There were several young children sitting in the theatre laughing along with everyone else whenever Haddock got his hands on a bottle of whiskey. Tintin is a must for the holidays!
3
Great effects for a cartoon by trblsmith
Characters looked real but movie was slow to get started and just an Indiana Jones kid in cartoon form only not as exciting. Great kid flick, so-so for adult.
5
Taking Movies to A Whole New Form: Virtual Actors are Here and Great! by BrianRoss
Most of these fall apart like Polar Express because the filmmakers are so hung up on the technology that the film falls flat. Not so with master adventure storyteller Stephen Spielberg.
This film is one of the best action movies around.If you like things like MI and Pirates of the Caribbean & Sherlock Holmes, then you'll find this recreation of the Tin Tin comics right up your alley.
John Williams does the score. The film is fashioned in much the same way as a Raiders film, rich with rapid cuts and fast-paced, well executed action. My kids are fans of the comic novellas. Tin Tin is familiar to European audiences, and the few readers of the comics translated to English here. They say that Spielberg did justice to the character.
In the early 1990s people around Silicon Valley spoke of the day of the Virtual actor...
It's here!
5
Great Adventure for everyone. by automan3672
I thought the movie had a great start to it that grabbed your attention and held it through the entire movie. The story line was excellent and animation was great. I highly recommend the movie to anyone.