Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole

In a world of 3d conversions with no foresight, Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole, is the latest of them to come to cinemas. Actually, the filmmakers, including director Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) put much thought into the visual imagery here. In fact, this works very well on 3d screens; it’s the story here that should’ve been worked on.

Our titular heroes, who don’t show up in the film for some time, are a league of warrior owls. Long ago, they defeated a bad owl, now called Metalbeak (Joel Edgerton). Like good ol’ Voldemort, beakie decides to raise an army of warriors to make a comeback. His scheme involves something called Flex, brainwashing weak owls with the moon and, oh yeah, the army.

Before we get to the owls, we get to Soren (Jim Sturgess) and Kludd (Ryan Kwanten), who are owl brothers (no, duh?). They’re snatched by Metalbeak’s goons and taken to his lair; Kludd willingly joins the army, while Soren and his new friend Gylfie (Emily Barclay) breakout when they hear that the Guardians are real…and stuff.

The film is taken from three novels (out of fifteen) by Kathryn Lasky, and it shows. Especially with the flex, the story is quite confusing, especially to anyone not familiar with the source material. It certainly soared over my head, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it soared over anyone else’s heads.

But visually, it’s done quite well. Its 3d effects are quite noticeable, and they are amazing. If you’re looking for a visual experience, it’s quite worth it either on 3d or flat screen.

But if you’re looking for a better written film, look elsewhere.

And you know what’s frustrating? The Wily Coyote cartoon at the start of the film was much better!