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EDITOR'S PICK
`Epic`
alluring and amazing (IANS Movie Review)
Rating:
*** 1/2
Based on the children`s book The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs by
William Joyce, Epic is a 3D animated science fiction fantasy film
with ample amount of action and adventure.
Epic tells the story of an ongoing battle between the forces of
good, who keep the natural world alive, and the forces of evil, who wish to
destroy it.
Mary Katherine (voiceover by Amanda Seyfried), a young teenage girl, visits her
father Professor Bomba (Jason Sudeikis) in a remote forest after the death of
her mother. Their relationship is strained due to her father`s obsession with
his work. In fact, she is convinced that her father has gone nuts when he tells
her that the forest is inhabited by miniature beings.
Dejected, she ambles into the forest and finds herself magically transported
into this secret universe filled with miniature yet larger than life figures,
where she witnesses Queen Tara (Beyonce Knowles) being attacked by Mandrake (Christoph
Waltz) and his son.
The Queen, before dying, hands over a bud to Mary and instructs her to take it
to Nim Galulu (Steven Tyler), the eight-footed caterpillar who is the historian
of the universe who will help them find an heir to the throne.
Lost and not knowing what to do, she teams up with Ronin (Colin Farrell), the
leader of the mythical creatures known as Leaf Men, who is also the Queen`s
trusted commander, Nod (Josh Hutcherson), Slug (Aziz Ansari) and Snail (Chris
O`Dowd), on this great mission to save their world and hers.
From the makers of Ice Age and Rio, Epic is
truly a grand scale escapade that reveals a mystical world unlike any other. The
film looks spectacular with beautiful, lush, green landscapes and a multitude of
well-rendered animals, insects and birds. The entire creation is impressive with
all the characters well drawn, unique and life like.
The comic relief is provided in the form of a Slug and a Snail as well as a
scene-stealing three-legged pug. The jokes arrive with varying degrees of
success, but they are always welcome as the rest of the film takes itself
incredibly seriously.
Chris Wedge is truly a real wizard to match the assortment of star voices with
the characters. Also, there are vocals by Steven Tyler, Josh Hutcherson and
Judah Friedlander, which is also enchanting.
The music and background score by composer Danny Elfman is used appealingly to
enhance the entire experience.
The production design and cinematography are amazing. The visuals are truly
mesmerising. The 3D computer-generated images are so accurate, unique and
life-like. The chase sequences are enthralling and keep you glued to your seat.
Epic is stunning and well intentioned. It will surely appeal to kids
and allure adults too, a must-see to have a refreshed view of a beautiful world.