Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole (2010)

This is an animation film directed by Zack Snyder and based on the books “Guardians of Ga’Hoole” by Kathryn Lasky. Beside than having owls as the main characters, in my opinion, nothing is special about this animation. It is about the usual fight between good and evil and expected victory of good over evil.

Soren (Jim Sturgess) is a young barn owl. He lives with his parents, older brother Kludd (Ryan Kwanten) and younger sister Eglantine (Adrienne DeFaria) in the forest. His father tells his children the stories of Guardians of Ga’Hoole. They are mythical group of warrior owls. In the past they saved all owlkind from the evil “Pure Ones”. Does it remind you of anything? Oh, right. Nazis.

One night in the forest Soren and his brother Kludd are kidnapped by two owls. The owls bring them to the home of evil Pure Ones. There, many little owls kidnapped from various places are turned into slaves. Those who do not protest and who are weak are sent to be pickers. While stronger, faster and obedient owls get trained and become soldiers.

Though barely able to fly, Soren and his little friend Gylfie escape from slavery. They fly after Guardians of Ga’Hoole in order to bring help, inform them about evil Pure Ones’ plans and save little owlets.

This is an enjoyable film for children and might be a little bit boring for adults. As different kinds of owls were depicted in the film, those who love owls and can distinguish one kind from another will definitely enjoy it, too.

Reviewer's rating: 6.5 out of 10

Sanctum (2011)

“Sanctum” is an adventure film directed by Alister Grierson. The film reminded me of “Titanic” which is not surprising considering the fact that the executive producer of film was James Cameron. Its grievous ending is a lot like James Cameron-films.

The film is about group of people exploring underwater Esa’ala cave in Papua New Guinea. A dangerous storm starts atop while the team’s communications with above is cut off. They are forced to find another way out. Led by Frank McGuire (Richard Roxburgh) , their only way out is to go further down. The team was already in the depth of cave and they go even further.

As it is usual for this type of films, only one or two persons are supposed to survive this adventure. Therefore, team members, who must be out before the end, find sometimes absurd, sometimes realistic deaths.

The way Victoria, bank-roller Carl’s girlfriend refuses to wear dead Judes’ thermal diver suit is funny and silly. Facing such danger, a human-being is supposed to do as he or she is told by an experienced leader or at least must be reasonable enough to understand that the temperature of water is dangerous for human body. I do not think in real life any Victoria would refuse to wear a dead woman’s suit.

The way she died was also funny. From my own experience, I can tell that when team member is inexperienced, she or he follows the route between two experienced team members. Here, the only woman was left without guide by nearby gentlemen and was the last person to cross the gorge by rope. Another team member who had a blood coming out of his mouth remained somewhere en route. Are not we supposed to move until death takes us away driven by our self-preservation instinct? But writers needed him out.

Though the plot was not strong enough, the story was inspired by real life events. The co-writer of film, Andrew Wight experienced near-death situation in underwater cave expedition. The film and characters lack emotions and I wish performances were better. But still, you can enjoy the film if you do not care about flaws or emotions. It is a good watch for the fans of nature adventure and not bad for watching with friends.

Reviewer's rating: 5.5 out of 10