This is a non-spoiler review, so just go ahead and read on...
This new movie from Blue Sky Studios (the same guys who gave us the Ice Age franchise and Rio) isn't set in a far off place or in the past. In a quick reversal of tone, it's set in a forest. Well that might not be much but what if I tell you that said forest is a huge place given that all the characters are small? Good? Then get ready for adventure.
As mentioned above, the film features a powerhouse cast led by Amanda Seyfried and Josh Hutcherson. Yes Cosette and Peeta from The Hunger Games teamed up here. There's also Collin Farrel and Mrs. Jay-Z herself, Beyonce.
THE GOOD:
- The animation and visual effects for EPIC is excellent. Given the nature (no pun intended) of the story, you really should expect lots of tumbles and tussles done in excellent 3D. I'm usually not keen on 3D but my litmus test always come in the form of the 'roller coaster' test. It's when they do a scene emulating a roller coaster ride. In Epic, I got the feels of vertigo during that key scene which for me means that the visuals and conversion was solid.
- The lead stars Nod and MK look nice visually. There's a brewing love story in their scenes but there's just so many wonders in the film that we instantly forget about that brewing love story.
- The dialogues were fun and easily understandable. Totally loved the snail and the slug (Grub and Mub). Hutcherson and Seyfried were also great in this film. However the total winners from the film were Christoph Waltz (who plays Mandrake) and Colin Farell who plays tough-as-nails Queensguard, Ronin.
- The action scenes were actually nice. For a kid's movie, there were some scenes that were bordering on going for teens such as when .... never mind. Can't spoil that bit.
- Steven Tyler also did a bang up job here. Y'know if you close your eyes and just forget about the Aerosmith frontman, you'd think that Nim Galoo was voiced by a completely different individual. Although once in a while you'll hear tell-tale signs that its the guy that sang 'I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing'.
- I liked that EPIC touched on more 'real-world' themes which is absent from other films of the genre. As usual, there's death but this film chose to celebrate life and acceptance and moving on. It also clearly depicts an individual's need for being acknowledged and acceptance. Oh and it's also the first time I've seen a film that depicts dogs that have been badly injured and still looks adorable. Case in point - Ozzie.
THE BAD:
- For a film that's produced by the same team that did Ice Age and Rio, there wasn't much humor. I get that they were trying to do a serious flick here but aside from the two slugs and a couple of witty banter between Nod and Ronin, there wasn't much to go by. Fox Philippines' last animated offering 'The Croods" at least had a couple of great lines which makes me laugh until today but with Epic, not so much.
- There's a lack of characterization in some moments. It felt like they were there but at the same time they weren't. Or maybe that's also a running theme for the movie.
THE VERDICT
8/10 for Blue Sky and 20th Century Fox's EPIC. I loved the film, its got a great cast and the story floats but there are a couple of plotholes here and there and some scenes can might want you to connect with a character but fumbles along the way. Still its a nice treat for the kids and parents alike.
Special thanks to 20th Century Fox for the invitation. I love you guys!
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