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| M.K. (Amanda Seyfried) and her professor dad (Jason Sudeikis) |
The 3D CG animated film Epic, based on William Joyce's book The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs, tells a very simple and very familiar story. But sometimes it's the simplicity of the plot that makes it refreshing and charming. Like drinking a glass of plain, ice-cold water is revitalizing. Like having chicken soup for your moviebuff soul.
After the death of her mother, 17-year-old M.K. (Amanda Seyfried) goes to live with her estranged absent-minded and emotionally detached scientist father, Professor Bomba (Jason Sudeikis), in his home-laboratory near the forest. The professor is consumed with his life work: trying to prove his theory that a tiny advanced society exists in the forest. Resentful of his father's priority and frustrated by his ridiculous theory, M.K. runs away from home-- but shockingly finds that her dad is right all along! And that she's also unwittingly involved in the tiny people's epic problem.
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| Hummingbird is the mode of transportation for the tiny soldiers. |
Epic calls to mind 1992's animated film FernGully: The Last Rainforest; environmental-themed and aimed at transporting you into a whole new world deep in the mysterious forest, with a love story on the side. It's a children's story, but absorbing even for adults. There's something so refreshing about so many greens and nature scenes, and the old story concept of a tiny society is still cute and fascinating. The scenes and situations, though, call to mind various movies: Avatar, FernGully, Twilight, Honey I shrunk the Kids, and even The Bodyguard--- with the brave Chief Leafman, Ronin, voiced by Colin Farrell (and the most memorable character here), the counterpart of Kevin Costner.
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| Ronin, voiced by Colin Farrell, is the very serious chief warrior. |
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| Christoph Waltz as the villain once again. |
What makes Epic fresh despite its familiar, predictable kiddie story, is how it visually captivates you; succeeding in transporting you into its own little world. The voices of well-loved actors and performers bring life to the characters even more. Steven Tyler, Josh Hutcherson, Beyonce as the sassy brave queen, and two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz as the bad guy Mandrake, all the more enhanced the experience.
The 3D effects are not that memorable, no convoluted plot twists here, no hysterical comedy, just goodhearted chuckles, and it's nothing unique, but with its family friendly and universally engaging plot, Epic brings a heartwarming, escapist experience. Like reading a satisfyingly enjoyable children's storybook under the cool shade of a tree on a lovely summer day.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Opens May 24, 2013 in Philippine theaters.
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