Zack Snyder brings his visual prowess to the animation medium and soars high with the noble fantasy, Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole.

The films narrative is welcome, for while the moral ambiguity of Snyder’s Wathcmen fits within a world complacent with the eternal war between the light and the dark, Legend of the Guardians (based on the novels by Kathryn Lasky) is a much needed throwback to the traditional Good v. Evil fantasy yarn.

What also makes this production different from the usual animated feature is that it’s Australian made, with a picturesque local landscape as its setting, and the use of a (mostly) Australian cast who give voice to owls at war over the fate of their world.

The last time Australia entered the animation game at such a high level was with Happy Feet, and like that film the attention to detail in its animation – from creature to backdrop – is jaw dropping in its precision. Yet while the Penguins of Happy Feet were bust tip tapping on the snow, these owls are gearing up for battle, and boy do the feathers fly in style.  

Legends... focuses on the adventures of Soren (Jim Sturgess), a young dreamer owl who is plucked from his home by an evil flock of owls known as the “Pure Ones”, led by the dark hearted Metalbeak (Joel Edgerton) and his mate Nyra (Helen Mirren).

When Soren witnesses the havoc the Pure Ones plan to unleash he escapes, and with a group of misfit hooters (Emily Barclay, Anthony LaPaglia, David Wenham) attempt to find The Guardians, a mythical band of hero owls who can vanquish the villains.

It is in their adventure that Legends... delivers on its promise as an animation spectacular, while also ending the stream of sub-par 3D releases with an exemplary example of just how good that extra dimension can look if treated with time and respect.

Snyder’s portrayal of flight as pure liberty in motion is breathtaking, with a majesty felt in every flap of these creatures wings.

An excellent ensemble of voice talent deliver. Helen Mirren is ice cold, Geoffrey Rush madcap, Hugo Weaving commanding.

Yet the loudest voice belongs to its honourable spirit which proudly declares that the power of belief should never waver to tyranny, and that some battles are worth fighting for.