The Adventures of Tin Tin

The Adventures of Tin Tin, a high energy treasure from Steven Spielberg, combines motion capture and 3-D technologies for a surreal yet effective story delivery. Like the books by the Belgian artist Herge' upon which the film is based, the visual point of view shifts and swoops somewhat vertiginously, but always in service of the adventure. The light and space and motion haven't the clunky aspect of animation nor the limitation of live action. Nearly impossible things can happen with ease.

Tin Tin, a young journalist of indeterminate age, no visible human family, and an infinite curiosity, is ably assisted by his equally curious dog Snowy. Tin Tin and Snowy meet a host of characters both devious and delightful, and utilize nearly every form of transport available in the 1940's: motorcycles, fabulous cars, propeller planes, cargo ships, lifeboats, zip lines made from laundry ropes, just to name a few.

Spielberg is wired for detail, and the format and feel of this film give him a canvas for details galore. Unfortunately, John Williams composed the musical score. He is so tedious and unoriginal that he steals from himself, and serves Spielberg's need to interpret action for us all too willingly.

My other minor reservation is the relentless pace, which becomes close to frantic in the second half. Although the action rarely pauses in the books, a reader can look away or close the covers for the night. One begins to weary without a respite, and thus potentially lose appreciation for the many visual puns and plays. Still, despite small concerns, this is an exhilarating and high-spirited ride!