We’ve all seen films about Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny, but never has there been a film that involved all three – until now.

Rise of the Guardians is centred on lovable joker Jack Frost (Chris Pine), who is called upon by childhood icons North (Alec Baldwin), Bunny (Hugh Jackman), Tooth (Isla Fisher) and Sandy to become a Guardian and help them stop Pitch Black, aka The Boogeyman (Jude Law) and his plan to cover the world in fear, while at the same time trying to figure out his own past and why no-one believes in him.

Although the Guardians are very well-known characters, they have been given a modern, superhero twist: Santa Claus, usually known as a happy, jolly, mild-mannered fellow, is now a sword-wielding Russian with tattoos. The Easter Bunny is a far cry from cute and fluffy as a six foot Aussie action hero with boomerangs, and the Tooth Fairy looks more bird-like than a fairy.

Their new personas are very different, but it’s refreshing to see and it works extremely well. Not only that, but they are all very likeable and memorable, with a particularly notable performance from Jude Law as the film’s villain, providing a dark and, at one point, sad element to his character and the film as a whole. However, this darkness is balanced evenly with humour that both children and some adults will enjoy.

Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes; from North’s workshop to the hairs on Jack Frost’s head, every scene bursts with vibrant colour and in 3D it looks magically atmospheric. It also has its fair share of big action scenes that make your inner child go ‘wow’.

Rise of the Guardians is packed full of magic, excitement and heart-warming gooeyness that really does make you believe in faith, courage, dreams – and even in Santa Claus again.

Released in UK cinemas on Friday 30 November 2012 by Paramount Pictures / Dreamworks Animation.