Epic is the latest
CG feature from Blue Sky Studios, the animation studio behind the Ice Age series and Rio. Epic is better than
any of their previous efforts, save for the first Ice Age, but it doesn't hold a candle to even the most modest
Pixar production.
Mary Katherine (Amanda Seyfried), who prefers to be called
'M.K.,' reluctantly moves back in with her father, Professor Bomba (Jason
Sudeikis), following the death of her mother. Dad lives in the middle of
nowhere and believes a civilization of miniature people dwell in the forest.
His crackpot theories have cost him his credibility in the scientific community
as well as his marriage. Any chance of repairing his familial bonds is dashed
as the Professor ignores his daughter in favor of chasing down evidence. But,
Bomba has been right along because deep within the forest is a peaceful
population of plant-like beings protected by an army known as the Leaf Men.
They are at war with the Boggans and their leader Mandrake (Christoph Waltz),
who is vowed to bring about death and decay. Whatever they destroy is easily
brought back to life by the magical powers of Queen Tara (Beyoncé Knowles).
The two worlds collide following a Boggan ambush that
mortally wounds the Queen just as M.K. wanders into the forest. She is shrunk
down and thrust with the responsibility to protect a bulb that will select a
new queen under the moon of the summer solstice. Joining M.K. on her quest are
Ronin (Colin Farrell), the commander of the Leaf Men; Nod (Josh Hutcherson), a
brash youngster who quit the service; and Mub & Grub (Aziz Ansari &
Chris O'Dowd), a slug and snail tending the Queen's gardens.
Epic was loosely
based on the children's book, The Leaf
Men and the Brave Good Bugs, by William Joyce, author of Rise of the Guardians. Joyce was one of
five credited screenwriters on Epic,
which is never a good sign. The film holds no real surprises and borrows a
number of recognizable elements from movies like FernGully, Lord of the Rings,
Star Wars, and Avatar. The spine of the story follows the traditional hero's
journey with Nod learning the importance of teamwork and responsibility. Other
standard elements include the stoic mentor figure, the comic relief sidekicks,
and the celebrity voiceover talent. Christoph Waltz as the villain isn't
anything new, but even in animated form Waltz stands out as a fresh voice while
other actors (Beyoncé and Steven Tyler) feel like stunt casting. Equally
charming is a one-eyed, three-legged pug by the name of Ozzie.
The animation is beautifully rendered and the film shines
during its many grand action sequences that include a climatic aerial battle
with characters astride hummingbirds and bats as well as the ambush with
Boggans camouflaged as tree bark.
When you title your film, Epic, you are setting high standards for yourself. The title is
simultaneously grand and generic, which sufficiently describes the movie to a
tee. It may be lacking in inventiveness, but kids will more than enjoy the wonderful
animation and lighthearted humor.
Rating: ** ½ (*****)
No comments:
Post a Comment