Computer-animated movies are so completely prevalent these days (Chipwrecked, anyone?) that it seems like the whole medium is collapsing under them. But every once in a while, someone actually takes the technology that Pixar pioneered, and makes an impressively good movie with it. This year, that movie is The Adventures of Tintin.

Many old-school comics fans are familiar with Tintin's plucky antics; while he's most popular in his native Europe, the character's global adventures ensured he was an icon to many in his heyday. And with his quests translated into dozens of languages, Tintin seems like an ideal candidate for the big screen. Now, thanks to the loyal efforts of Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg, he's finally got his chance.

It can often be weird seeing a two-dimensional character come to life in 3D. Great art doesn't always translate well to the third dimension; a good example would be Mars Needs Moms, in which the beautiful art of Berkeley Breathed was mangled into an uncanny valley nightmare. With fans abuzz about Tintin's super-realistic face, can the film live up to the character's legend?

Absolutely. While Tintin's new design seems like a departure, it's really more of an evolution: there's an earnest honesty in the hero's painstakingly constructed new features that beautifully mirrors the effects of the original, simplistic design. And the care invested in Tintin pays off: he's convincing, jaunty, grim, determined and cheerful all at once, a whirlwind of red-headed energy who fights with his wits just like in the comics.

And what of Tintin's erratic sidekick, Captain Haddock? As a role model, Haddock always left something to be desired - a violent alcoholic with a greedy streak, he nevertheless backed up Tintin loyally while also serving as the comic relief. The film's creators made the impressive decision not to water down Haddock, to hilarious effect: the gruff Andy Serkis gives a ribald life to the good Captain, who is every bit the delusional dipsomaniac he was created to be.

All the other major Tintin characters are there, in endearing animation and running into ridiculous slapstick scenarios, just as they should be. Tintin's environment is breathtaking: it cannot be understated how vibrant and exotic the world is he sleuths in. Tiny touches like the occasional golden crab or visual gag slipped in perfect the homage, and incredible chase scenes and fights that exceed the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise in their originality and energy abound.

In some respects, Tintin doesn't translate perfectly from the simpler age he was conceived in: the choice to keep Tintin's tendency of vocalizing all his detective work, Golden Age of Comics style, seems a bit silly and distracting. Likewise, there is a tiny pocket of uncanny valley sneaking around the movie: the blank stares of the Thompson brothers is a bit concerning, and Captain Haddock's drunken rage is sometimes a bit too real.

But overall the movie provides an experience that can't be equaled: combining nostalgia and groundbreaking animation technology, the film is a thrilling ride from its memorable opening credits sequence to its relentless finale. The entire thing evokes an Indiana Jones vibe crossed with a Pixar-style flair and sentiment. Overall, it's a uniquely different and fun movie that leaves you with an optimistic buzz.