Kidsday: 'Tintin' dazzles

Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson have accomplished a lot in their movie careers. From "E.T." to "The Lord of the Rings" to "Indiana Jones," these two movie icons have had great successes in a wide range of genres. However, before "The Adventures of Tintin," they had not produced a film together. I'm happy to say that their first collaboration is a huge success that will appeal to anyone who loved the adventures of Indiana Jones or the mysteries involving Sherlock Holmes.

Before the beginning of the movie premiere, which I recently attended, Steven explained to the audience that he wanted us to focus more on the blood-pumping story than on the technical aspects of the film. However, after a few minutes in, it is hard not to notice.

Saying that "The Adventures of Tintin" is a beautiful movie is selling it short. It is arguably the most artistically detailed animated feature ever produced, and probably the film that used the 3-D glasses the wisest. However, Steven was right. It is a whole different experience once you get past the beauty of it all. Although it takes a while to get to the real chain of action-packed events, the journey is breathtaking as a whole. That isn't even including the Moroccan city sequence, which was probably the most incredible scene that I've seen in theaters for a long time.

However, there are a few downsides to "Tintin" that don't take away from the experience but will hopefully be fixed in the sequel. For example, the inclusion of some characters doesn't make much sense. The pickpocket pops up now and again, but his purpose is never explained. Also, the movie's cliffhanger is lackluster. Considering how dramatic and exciting the adventure was, the ending doesn't carry that same feeling of exhilaration.

Nonetheless, "Tintin" is a breathtaking animated feature that dazzles with its charming characters and detailed chase sequences. This movie will keep ages 10 and up glued to the screen for the whole nearly two-hour journey and desperately anticipating the sequel. Rating: 31/2 out of 5

Spielberg speaks to Kidsday

Kidsday reporter Charles Beers interviewed Steven Spielberg at the news conference and on the red carpet at the Ziegfield Theater Dec. 11. Besides talking with Steven, he also met with movie producer Kathleen Kennedy, movie director and writer George Lucas and cast members from "The Adventures of Tintin." You can see that video and read his interview: exploreLI.com/kidsday