If the idea of talking owls sounds appealing, then director Zack Snyder ("300") has a movie for you. However, it's not just talking owls; these owls fight to the death!

Thankfully, there isn't too much death in "Legends of the Guardians." Based on the book series "Guardians of Ga'Hoole," this movie taps the creativity of Animal Logic, the same animators behind the mega-hit "Happy Feet." This might encourage you to bring the wee ones out to the theater. However, this is no "Happy Feet." There are no musical numbers and no dancing bird feet. It does have nice messages about being strong-willed, friendship, family, and of course, owl domination.

No, really. Our main owl is Soren (voiced by Jim Sturgess), who gets kidnapped along his brother (Ryan Kwanten) and a slew of other owls, by a scary bunch called the "Pure Ones." Once they are taken away, they get separated into two groups. Most of the weaker owls get "moonblinked" into becoming owl zombies, to collect owl pellets, which is basically owl vomit. If you're not a vomit picker, you're a fighter. Sounds like an easy choice, right?

Not for Soren. He chooses new friend and Elf Owl Gylfie (Emily Barclay) over his brother and the two are separated. Eventually, you'll get that epic good versus evil battle -- with owls.

Assuming you can get past the talking owls, the premise of good versus evil owls, and the overly dramatic owl dialogue, "Legend of the Guardians" is actually a very nice looking movie. Snyder has created quite a feast for the eyes. It sort of plays like "300," but with owls. It's even got the same slo-mo fight scenes and extremely interesting visuals.

It's all a little bizarre, but a consolation is that the 3D works really well in "Legends of the Guardians." It not only gives the movie depth, it adds to the realism of these beautiful creatures. Each of the owls has haunting eyes and can deliver more expressions than most people that I know. They are eerily lifelike, which is amazing and creepy.

Much of the 3D delivers depth, but there are plenty of moments where images pop. Fire embers, feathers and raindrops all seem to rain down around the viewer. However, when the owls take flight, those wings are what delivers the most breathtaking effects -- both from the 3D and the animation.

"Legends of the Guardians" is yet another entry keeping the genre of 3D down. Does it look good? Yes -- and I am extremely thankful for that. However, aside from the visuals, there's little else to see here. Also, think twice about taking the kids, unless you're up for an encore of owl-laced nightmares.

Editor's Note: Before this film, audiences are treated to another Looney Tunes 3D short titled, "Fur of Flying." This is yet another new Warner Bros. adventure featuring Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. This one works a little better than its predecessor, "Coyote Falls." Dangling feet, eyes popping and rockets exploding deliver some good 3D effects here. Besides, who can resist an Acme helicopter hat? Check out the clip below.

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