Can the studio behind Ice Age and Rio finally deliver an amazing animated effort?
After her mother's unexpected passing, Mary Katherine [or M.K. for short] (voiced by Amanda Seyfried) returns to her childhood home to reconnect with her estranged Dad (voiced by Jason Sudiekis). However, she sees little to no change in her father, who is obsessed with finding little creatures that "protect" the forest. This obsession had caused M.K. and her mother to leave him years back. After failing to have a conversation with him, she decides to leave. While going out the door, M.K.'s old, childhood dog Ozzie, runs out the door and goes off into the woods. While chasing after her pet, M.K. comes across a dying "small person", who uses whatever power it has left to shrink her. M.K. is then given a magical gift that is so important, the fate of the forest depends on it. Talk about doing things beyond your wildest dreams!
How Epic got its' name is probably from its' animation, which is colorful and stunning. The trees, sky, and backgrounds all combine real and fantastical elements in an intriguing backdrop. The characters are nicely-animated, and the action sequences are both exciting and well-drawn out. The voice cast does a very good job, with the main stand-out being Seyfried, who brings a much needed sense of innocence and charm to the role of M.K. Sudiekis brings a personality to M.K.'s dad that is very reminiscent of Ludwig Von Drake Duck and other classic science-obsessed geeks, while bringing some nice emotion to his character as well. Hutcherson brings a teenage-style A-game to Nod, while Steven Tyler brings his higher-pitched voice to the smooth Nim Galuu. Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz brings a sinister and interesting tone to the villain Mandrake, in a similar way to Scar from The Lion King.
While quiet in spots, Danny Elfman does a solid job with the music score. Tyler provides a fun little number mid-way through the movie. I also noticed at least a couple of subtle references to Disney movies, including Aladdin and The Lion King. Some very funny moments. Solid messages on family, reconciliation, and true bravery and self-sacrifice.
I have just about nothing to say negative about Epic. The story does lag a very little bit in a few spots, and Colin Farrell may not have been the best choice for Ronin (his Scottish accent is still audible in his American character), but these don't affect the films' overall impact.
Borrowing from several films including Avatar, The Secret World of Arrietty, Legend of the Guardians, Antz, Honey I Shrunk the Kids! and even Star Wars very subtly, Epic may not be very original, but it is ambitious, and most certainly a giant step in the right direction for emerging Blue Sky Studios, which hasn't quite impressed me with some of their "original" fare. Considering the impressive-looking teaser and surprise placing at #1 on my most-anticipated list for 2013, I had high expectations for Epic, and they were matched.
In the end, Epic is not just the best effort from Blue Sky, its' the best animated film I've seen since Tangled. A whirling, twisted, exciting, and fantastic ride that is heartwarming, fresh, and visually epic.
Should You Take Your Family To See It? YES. Epic is a clean family movie that is nearly devoid of problematic content. Some action scenes that may be intense for sensitive preschoolers. A Level 5 on the Family-Friendliness Scale is a status I'm proud to award to this amazing movie. Kids ages 6 and up should enjoy this rollicking ride!
