Rise of the Guardians is an UNDERRATED Masterpiece

[@copycat0284]

As a Night Owl the Moon being the deity figure instead of Sun in this movie really makes me happy when I was a kid. And also make a Pitch motivation understandable but still don't exusce his action instead of just make him "pure evil for sake of being evil because he is a darkness and fear himself" was also genius

[@skulliebythesea]

YES TO ALL of this

[@pearlsy__]

This movie was one of my favorites as a kid, I always wondered why no one talked about it

[@skulliebythesea]

My thoughts exactly! I'm hoping it gets the appreciation it deserves through this video!

[@pearlsy__]

@@skulliebythesea I sure hope so! The movie deserves so much love, and you did an amazing job in the video, I had a great time remembering this movie and even shed a few tears, on my way to watch it again!

[@typhlosion7872]

Because it didn't get much attention, mostly due to being released around the same time as Skyfall, Breaking Dawn part 2, and Wreck it Ralph, all giving it a ton of competition

[@doodleplayer4014]

I have a shit memory and tend to only remember the vague abstract details of movies, but let me tell you, I can remember Santa's whole monologue about his centre even years after watching this movie. It's so good.

[@transenby42622]

This movie is my hyperfixation and has been for the past 2 years. 15/10, will always come back for Jack Frost shenanigans, cosplay, fanfic/fanart, and shipping. :)

[@irisespinoza4188]

So happy to see this video finally released! Ugh that sucks that DreamWorks can't just let people talk about them. This movie is SUCH a banger and I'm so happy you talk about how fluid this film is. This movie is probably why I play dungeons and dragons now. 15/10

[@skulliebythesea]

Thank you!!! I appreciate all the love this video is getting! And YES omg I totally see that. The entire main cast would make an excellent DnD party. Definitely inspired my fantasy side as well!

[@Cutiepie-cy8td]

Does anybody else realize that if the guardians didn´t accidentally wake Jamie up that one night, Pitch would have won?

[@Aashbard01]

I sure did, it was such a chilling thought though

[@realsanmer]

It's a shame Dreamworks makes it hard for people to talk positively about their movies. First Schaffrilas with his KFP video and now you.

[@skulliebythesea]

My thoughts exactly! It's really frustrating

[@thesardonicpig3835]

I know I am extremely late to this video, but still - thank you for finally giving the writing of Pitch Black some long overdue appreciation! Fantastic essay, one I've been waiting for for a very long time. There's another aspect of Pitch which I think is really crucial to his character writing. The first time I saw the film and watched Pitch's obliteration at the end, my first instinct was "... this is really unfair." It was necessary - but I couldn't shake this feeling of injustice. RotG depicts a universe of counterbalancing powers - fear vs hope/faith. A counterbalance, however, depends on equal opportunity for both sides of the scale, which just isn't the case at the beginning and end of the film. The Guardians have taken all the space, while Pitch has been completely suppressed. But that's the key - he's been suppressed, not accepted and regulated. And when fear (or any human emotion) is suppressed, it intensifies subconsciously before it bursts out with destructive force. Fear becomes phobia, sadness becomes depression etc., because "truth will out." And I think that aspect is brought out perfectly in the animation of Pitch's facial expressions. They don't just convey anger and vengefulness when he's defeated. He looks distraught, desperate, heartbroken, in disbelief. He's a being that has been denied every kind of validation, dignity and company for thousands of years. His appeal to Jack isn't a corrupting call for him to join the dark side. It's a desperate plea for company, for understanding from the only person he believes could possibly understand his pain. I don't think the Guardians are "evil" or "the bad guys" because of this - it's an innocent, well-intentioned misjudgment on their part. And by the end of the film, pushing Pitch back "under the carpet" is the only way of solving the problem temporarily. But I don't believe their collective arc will be complete until they finally realise that Pitch deserves as much stage presence as they do.

[@Guardian_of_Fun_Times]

This movie holds a near and dear place in my heart and is the sole reason why I cosplay Jack Frost even to this day! Not only is the movie an underappreciated masterpiece, but the books aren't even spoken about. If you have the chance, I'd most definitely would give them a read. The Guardians of Childhood by William Joyce.

[@skulliebythesea]

Jack Frost cosplayers are incredible 100% of the time. Y'all are awesome! I've been meaning to get into the books!!!

[@DarkstrifeQueen-v8v]

Agreed and I still have so much I have to tell Jack. Whenever I feel like crying myself to sleep, I stare out the window because I know he’s there watching out for me, like the guardian soulmate I really see him as. But Jack, you’re really gonna have to step up your game, as far as your shenanigans go, because there’s a scaly little troublemaker in my house who’s trying to steal your spot at the top of the naughty list. 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️. No, Jack, I’m not rolling my eyes at you, it’s sandrea, the mischievous little dragon thing living under my roof. She’s the troublemaker who’s trying to steal your spot.

[@meep9231]

Yooooo you just unlocked a memory I forgot I had. I remember loving the crap out of this movie, getting the books and video game, researching the lore and art. It’s kinda sad that they didn’t make a sequel with Jack learning to be a Guardian, but I’d rather have one film than it or existing at all.

[@skulliebythesea]

Haha omg this was exactly how I felt rewatching it for the first time! I was so excited all over again! I remember watching the crap out of it too! It was such amazing world building!

[@aidanbarnes4290]

it has a sense of childlike wonder magic and makes me wanna visit dream land. Effort was put into, lovable characters, beautiful scenery, funny moments, and heart. Is it an Oscar worthy masterpiece no of course not it's just a fun little story to make you feel like a kid again.

[@skulliebythesea]

I completely agree with this

[@elizabethfeuerbach5006]

I was recently confirmed as a Catholic last Easter, and I really enjoyed this. The fact that this film talks about gaining and losing faith, whatever you believe in, is something everyone can relate to and can make people believe and be confident in themselves.

[@cookiecat6404]

My god you hit all the points on why I love this movie and then some. I agree with your theory of Pitch being a former guardian and would like to add on. Pitch trying to recruit Jack actually makes sense in that in early human history winter was also something to be feared but as time went on it became something kids looked toward.

[@skulliebythesea]

OMG YES!! I love that theory!!

[@Guardian_of_Fun_Times]

If you read the books before Pitch became the Nightmare King, he was once a hero of the Golden Age named Kozmotis Pitchiner. He had led the Golden Armies in capturing the Fearlings and their ilk, then volunteered to guard the prison planet they had been imprisoned in. He kept vigil for years, forced to listen to the prisoners' constant whispering and pleading.

[@mari.art1999]

That theory was so good!!! Specially when he says “I want what you have, to be believed in” it makes so much sense

[@ReadingAllDayLong]

I can hear and feel your love and joy for this movie and I completely agree. So underrated. Amazing essay!

[@skulliebythesea]

Aww thank you ! I'm so glad that was able to shine through! :) Thanks for your lovely comment. I'm glad you liked the video!

[@dekuisagreatmaincharacter]

This is probably my favorite movie of all time. There’s all the reasons you talked about in this video, but I do think if I watched this movie for the first time now at age 18, I would enjoy it a lot, but it wouldn’t be my favorite. Believe it or not, but I still have memories of the first time I watched this at the movies when I was 8. Back then this movie was always shrouded in mystery for me, I knew from the trailers that Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy would have an adventure with two other guys I didn’t know, but not much else. I had also recently discovered that all these childhood icons didn’t actually exist and was kinda resentful of my parents for lying to me. For all accounts, a movie about these characters with a theme of belief should have been the last thing I wanted back then. And years later, I also quit Christianity and still have some baggage I haven’t fully dealt with. So in my experience, any time someone says something like “even if you can’t see it, you have to believe it,” I roll my eyes. Yet this movie is an anomaly for me. A movie with a message of “believing is seeing” that doesn’t make me roll my eyes, and I’m not even sure why. It’s one of those rare movies I just can’t analyze rationally. It’s pure emotion and childhood wonder for me. As a writer, this movie is something I could never hope to replicate. My love for it somehow runs in a subconscious level. The only other property I found that manage to recreate this feeling for me was Kingdom Hearts. You can point all the retcons, technical flaws and writing issues you can find, I won’t care. Because I like it in a way that goes beyond reason. Maybe that makes me overly sentimental and a less than ideal writer, but I don’t care. I don’t believe in the supernatural, but there’s something truly magical about something that resonates with someone on such a deep level. Sorry for rambling… I do that a lot. Videos about this movie are so rare, when I find one I feel the need to share my personal history with it.

[@skulliebythesea]

I'm so glad you did 😊 I always love to hear people's stories and how.they connect with media. I think it says a lot about a person and I'm so glad you felt comfortable to share that beautiful memory with me ❤️

[@sophiapook356]

This video is absolutely gorgeous! I recently was reintroduced to Rise of the Guardians and I am obsessed with this movie! And I was sad that nobody seems to be talking about it anymore. It's also really close to it's 10 year anniversary and I am hoping to get to discuss it more with my friends. I literally spent the whole video shouting out "yes!" to every statement you made! Thank you so much for making this video and giving the film the love and respect it clearly deserves. Have a wonderful day.

[@skulliebythesea]

WOW!! Thank you so much! This is such a kind and thoughtful comment :) I know exactly how you feel! I adore this movie so much and I'm trying so hard to give it the hype it deserves! I can't believe it's been out for 10 years, that's insane! I'm so glad you liked the video!

[@c.ccarlhead5744]

Growing up is realizing I simp more for Bunnymund than Jack Frost But all jokes aside this movie flew under the radar for me surprisingly even though I am always a sucker for classic fairytales getting a new spin. Like genuinely this movie is my favorite interpretation of holiday characters ever. The fact that they drop so many lore hints makes me YEARNN for more movies showing how the Guardians became that and how they got used to their duties. I wanna know everything about their world. I love their dynamic with eachother and wish we got more. What with Dreamworks succeeding on this storybook art style with Puss In Boots: The Last Wish it had me thinking that the style would look amazing for a potential ROTG sequel. Its one of those movies that makes me sad that everything in thd creative field revolves around money so the only reason we don't get more is because of losses in profit.

[@LuizFelipe-ci3fr]

Best Holiday Movie Ever. I was so ready for a sequel with Halloween and Valentine's Day getting included in the lore. But It didn't happen, unfortunately

[@skulliebythesea]

OMG THAT WOULD'VE BEEN SO COOL

[@caitlin5742]

This was my favorite movie as a kid and it is my favorite movie of all time. I'm so glad someone appreciates it as much as I do. You've really done this movie justice!

[@skulliebythesea]

thank you so much! That means a lot!

[@thealvinpodcast2024]

Probably the best analysis that I have ever seen about Rise of the Guardians that just sufficed my love for this movie very much as one of my all-time favorites. Thank you for this!❤😊

[@skulliebythesea]

This is so sweet thank you :)

[@USAHurst]

YES FINALLY! Someone mentioned the ROTTBD fandom

[@skulliebythesea]

I'm a FOUNDING MEMBER! LMAO

[@godzillaboy011]

Yeah, I love this movie, I used to watch it a dozens of times and that's why I have an oc! You know those tales about Storks delivering babies, that's what my oc is. He has some feathers that act like daggers, claws that are now talons. How cool is that, eh? Anyway, great video as always and always love the movie.

[@skulliebythesea]

I LOVE THAT! What a wonderful character to add to the story! I'd love to see some art of them if you have it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts :)

[@lyliasickle6003]

ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES IN MY OPINION! I was finally able to watch the whole movie either this year or last year because whenever it would come on the TV, my siblings would change the movie because they weren't interested. Now I was able to watch it with no disruption b/c we all have our own devices now lol

[@skulliebythesea]

I love that you finally had the opportunity to watch the media that you enjoy! I remember having to compromise with my family members when we picked the shows and movies we wanted to watch too! I 'm so glad you enjoyed it and I'm glad I could share my thoughts with you :)

[@snowflakewhite5068]

I still adore this movie and even made an oc for it

[@RoxastheKeyofDestiny]

Puss In Boots which also is underrated finally got a sequel. Maybe this will too one day.

[@Sofia-ge6wm]

This movie is the reason I fell in love with animation I remember watching it as a child with my parents in theaters and I was beaming the entire time and never took my eyes off the screen it is the first movie I ever bought an art book for this movie will always mean the world to me and is always going to be a very important part of me this video essay was fucking amazing top tier shit queen😌✨️💫💞

[@THEDonnyB]

I love this movie. It's not a good cartoon. Not a good kids movie. Not even a good movie. It's just... Phenomenal. And your theory about Pitch BEING a former Guardian actually makes him an even more tragic character. He HAD a purpose. He WAS believed in. He could be SEEN. But now he's been cast ASIDE. What he's doing, lashing out is absolutely villainous. Crushing children's dreams, killing another Guardian, and trying to destroy the joy of children is absolutely villainous. But that's why Jack was chosen. To remind children of their joy so they can overcome their fears.

[@Maria14207]

8:34 My favourite part lmao 😂

[@mari.art1999]

This is my new favorite video ever omg!!! You don’t understand how much I LOVE this movie. So much so it made me want to get into the animation industry and well, here I am, 10 years later, working in the industry! I truly believe it changed my life. I was reciting the initial monologue of the movie with you out loud by myself in my room like a crazy person because I memorized it so long ago. When you were talking about the “he sees me” part I LEGIT cried Lmao like I always do in that part of the movie. I’ve watched it so many times I literally memorized the whole movie. I’m curious to know, have you ever read the series of books?

[@ladypool1404]

And Dreamworks did Dragons the nine realms, a Boss baby show AND Megamind 2 instead of a show for this movie. A huge missed opportunity! There's a lot to do with this franchise like; making episodes based on the books, creating villains based on the Befana witch and the Headless horseman, creating guardians about the seasons except Winter since Jack represent it, developping more Bunny and Sohpie's friendship etc. It could give fun episodes or a movie about the first guardian. I really hope we'll see thoses characters again! I like them, Bunny is my favorite. A rabbit with eggs bombs who is voiced by Hugh jackman is impossible to hate! He has a cool design, is brave, kind and has a charming accent 🥰

[@jeremy1860]

One of Dreamworks' best CGI movies 😊

[@sanslogic23]

Amazing video 👍, I'm so glad there are other creators like me who realize just how great this movie is. I hope you have a great day

[@skulliebythesea]

Thank you SO MUCH 🥰 I'm glad you enjoyed it and I'm so thankful I could share my love of this movie with all of you!

[@lms3942]

I really liked your theory about Pitch Black. Great video!

[@skulliebythesea]

Thank you 😊

[@roshanfey]

beautiful video essay. rotg is my favorite movie of all time -- you break down so eloquently all the themes and elements that make it so.

[@arthurbriand2175]

16:39 I am going to be that guy but they are hippomorphic nightmares. In the shape of horses not humans.

[@merivial8661]

I love to think North's past life was this massive a** Rus prince or boyard kicking the sh*t out of his enemies while being the cool uncle giving presents (or punching heretics just like one of the st. nicks. that works too)

[@EmilyParagraph]

according to the novels, he was a cossack thief, so you were kind of right!

[@Akiraaaa4444]

Imagine being so loyal to a motherfucking character that you simp for him since you're 4 and it never changed once.

[@knightscendant]

This was my favorite movie as a kid. I was sucked into its beauty and it's fandom. Jack was my first serious frictional crush on a character. This movie is so important to me and honestly probably set the presedence for what I prefer in terms of media. The character designs (literally the best interpretations of these character) the story, the group dynamic, the themes, and the lore from the books, all inspired me. It holds a special place in my heart.

[@skulliebythesea]

Likewise for all the same reasons :)

[@wyatthoard]

I loved this movie so much!! All the tropes it stopped and even the lore of the Shadow man, so underrated

[@skulliebythesea]

YESSS to all of this! The lore and world building in this movie was awesome

[@bloxmaker5900]

Yay! Been looking forward to this! Love giving deserving movies attention. You nailed the themes the movie included

[@skulliebythesea]

YAYY! I'm so glad! Thank you so much! I'm really proud of this video and I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@adammyers7383]

Skullie is back!!!! Hooray!!! I’ll comment after finishing the video. Oh also Skullie, some folks in a discord server I’m in had some really interesting alternate perspectives on your MoM/Wanda video

[@skulliebythesea]

YAYY! ABSOLUTELY pls share them! I'd love to hear that they said!

[@adammyers7383]

@@skulliebythesea one thing they pointed out was that Raimi couldn’t have seen WandaVision because it wasn’t finished, it was being made at the same time as MoM

[@theredlindworm732]

i would just like to point out that I f*cking love the music in this movie

[@SkeletonCavalry]

Last month I watched it 10 times...per week. I really wanted to get a part 2, but sadly, we all know that turned out

[@skulliebythesea]

LMAO I definitely went through a phase like this where I was watching this movie all the time. It just made me so happy

[@SkeletonCavalry]

@@skulliebythesea definitely my comfort movie for when I'm feeling down or just need a chuckle

[@puterboy2]

Jack may be a pretty boy but I think he needed a more youthful voice.

[@adammyers7383]

Fantastic video as always Skullie!! God I love your work, and it was wonderful to hear you share so much joy. The thirst sections made me a bit uncomfortable ngl, 😅 but that’s okay. I don’t love this movie as much as some others like you, but I rewatched it a bit ago because of another video essay on it and definitely found the message of the necessity of embracing fun in the face of fear extremely beautiful and powerful.

[@skulliebythesea]

Thank you so much 🥰 I really appreciate all the love even if all of my work may not be your cup of tea. I completely agree, the message of embracing fun in the face of fear is extremely important rn 🥰

[@adammyers7383]

@@skulliebythesea also I sent you a message on instagram that may or may not interest you. Also found your other channels! Didn’t realize you HAD other channels until now 😅

[@benildecarraretosiqueira3662]

I love this movie since I watched it from the first time 10 years ago, it’s my second favorite Dreamworks franchise right after the How to train your dragon trilogy

[@skulliebythesea]

YES! This is an EXCELLENT ranking 💕

[@Sovralover]

I love your interpretation of Pitch and his guardianship

[@171QA]

An underrated gem.

[@hellogoodbyeandallinbetween]

I love this movie too! Plus it can be seen as both an Easter and a Christmas movie ☺️

[@skulliebythesea]

FABULOUS 😍

[@sherryting-yulin2545]

Jack Frost alone is an A+++.

[@michaelbrent1536]

It’s too bad the DreamWorks rise of the guardians is so underrated it’s a good story but I really love the rise of the brave tangled dragon fanfiction that you mention!

[@shadowcreator6250]

Still haven't finished watching the video, but as soon as you talked about your theory about Pitch Black, I freaked out cause that's also the idea I got for a story i might decide to do😂.

[@skulliebythesea]

OMG RIGHT THAT ISH! I will buy it so fast

[@shadowcreator6250]

@@skulliebythesea I don't think I'm gonna make people pay for it, I was thinking more of a fanfiction at best, but because i haven't ever physically wrote a whole story except bits and pieces when I'm bored, I'll have to see. Thanks for the heart by the way!

[@skulliebythesea]

@@shadowcreator6250 of course! Well, whatever you come up with, make sure to drop the link! I'd love to read it!

[@A113-p9e]

A crying shame the circumstances it had.

[@skulliebythesea]

Completely agree

[@ladypool1404]

Speaking of Jelsa and Jackunzel; i was, and still am, a Jackunzel fan. Why? Because; both characters are naive and kind, both have energy and magic. Jack can learn the princess how to ice skate and she can learn him how to make candles, bake cookies or draw. Both would quickly get along too. Also, Jack and her are mostly the same age. She is 18, he is 317 yes BUT acted like he's 17. If they would be a couple, it won't be weird. I'm not saying i hate Jelsa. I can see them being friends BUT their ages are the issue. She is 22 and he is 317 or 17. Jack is too old or too young to marry her. It would be like if a grandpa (him) flirts with an adult (her) or a teenager (him) dating an adult (her). In both cases, this is strange and a bit gross 🤨

[@NerdOwlLover487]

this is definitely an underrated masterpiece 🙂

[@skulliebythesea]

Thank you my friend! I'm so glad you agree

[@thegunslinger1363]

You should do a video on Atlantis: The Lost Empire. It's fantastic.

[@skulliebythesea]

YES! It's definitely on my list! I have a couple more to get to first, but I'd love to do a video on them in the future

[@dancingdemon1958]

*watching this having read all the books* aluminum hat indeed ( TwT

[@skulliebythesea]

hahaha omg I really need to pick up these books!

[@dancingdemon1958]

@@skulliebythesea please do if you can! Fair warning, they are a trip and a half, however, they help to explain character motivation and go in-depth into the guardians and Pitch's backstory. Most people will tell you they are separate universes, but the first 4 books function fairly well as a prequel. *We don't talk about the 5th book*

[@michaelmarto69]

Why is pitch a villain because he wants all the children to believe him. He wants all to himself

[@AymarMaluenda]

This movie is really really good, thx for the video!

[@skulliebythesea]

you're so welcome :) I'm glad you liked it!

[@xolotte]

What a great video! It really made me appreciate this movie ❄️

[@skulliebythesea]

Aww thank you! I'm so glad you liked it!

[@dragonqueen7328]

I fuckin love this movie and I love this breakdown and I loved listening to it and I will think about this video forever

[@skulliebythesea]

This is such a lovely comment :') Thank you so much

[@Fluffy_Wolverine]

as i mentioned i watched this film for the first time not that long ago, and i think i would've liked it more if i didn't have 2 issues: 1) the voices. i don't know why but the actors didn't really fit the characters FOR ME. i understand you liked them, i just didn't, and i can't even explain why xD (jude law is an exception though, he was great) 2) not being raised in anglo-saxon culture = not knowing some characters. i didn't know jack frost nor the sandman and i feel like it influenced my viewing. you know, i just didn't have this background that would probably help me have a stronger bond with these characters. and also i watched the sandman from netflix recently, it had a tad different representation of this character hahahah (btw have you seen it? if not i HIGHLY recommend it, it has beautiful people in the cast and a fair amount of queerness 😌)

[@skulliebythesea]

This movie is definitely targeted for people that have a Christian upbringing and/or anglo-saxon background. There's definitely aspects of the fantasy that I feel are universal, but I completely understand why certain people wouldn't vibe with this movie. I HAVE NOT watched Sandman! I've heard so many people talking about it though! I guess I should give it a watch!

[@OreoGodKing]

Song at the beginning?

[@skybluespace22]

L ove this film, even as an old man. I watch it 😅every year

[@Oatmealscaresme]

OMG I LOVE YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

[@skulliebythesea]

OMG you're SO SO WELCOME 🥰

[@emmywhatzit44]

Definitely not me tearing up listening to this video- Not at all-

[@amberrichards2778]

Brilliant video

[@raisou9750]

Let's be real here: anyone who has seen this movie, is definitely watching Jujutsu Kaisen because Jack looked like Gojo.

[@123rockfan]

Amazing animation but this movie is one long action scene. It bored me to death in a lot of parts

[@finalmountain]

This movie is just Decent IMO

[@skulliebythesea]

wow. you're very cool. has anyone ever told you how cool you are? so very very cool.

[@mr.ghiblidude]

I wonder what makes you think this movie isn't that great?

[@danszymanski1633]

Bruh inserted politics into the best movie

[@skyr5247]

I'm 2 years late but finding someone talking about ROTG (one of my faves too) in my feed is like randomly finding gold, and I loved your insights :) And fun fact - Peter Ramsey, the director of this movie ended up co-directing Into the Spider-verse, which shows he does nothing but bangers🫶🏼