Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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SALT LAKE CITY — It's cute and it's clever. It's "Epic," from director Chris Wedge, who also gave us the "Ice Age" movies.
"Epic" introduces us to young Mary Kathryn, who sounds a lot like Amanda Seyfried. The death of her mother requires the young woman to move back to the old family home on the edge of the woods with her absent-minded, eccentric dad. She is not thrilled.
It seems dear old dad is obsessed with the idea that little tiny people, who move much faster than regular-sized humans, occupy the woods, and he's determined to prove his theory. This obsession cost him his marriage and could cost him his daughter, as well.
On the verge of giving up any hope of having a relationship with her father, Mary Kathryn — who prefers being called MK — decides to pack up and leave. But in the process she ends up finding out that her dad isn't nuts after all. A strange chain of events takes her into this small, sped-up world at a most critical time.
Once every 100 years, a pod on the verge of blooming is selected by the queen for transference of the power to make the forest grow and flourish. The honor this time falls to the current Queen Tara, with the voice of Beyoncé Knowles. But, alas, there are evil-doers led by the infamous Mandrake (given voice by Christoph Waltz) who control all the decay and rot.
The fanciful imagery, delightful characters and intriguing tale makes for a fun cinematic experience for the whole family.
Colin Ferrell as Ronin, the queen's guard, fears the worst and is determined to do whatever it takes to make sure this most important event goes off without a hitch. To say the least, it does not, and MK plays a major role in helping to save the day.
The fanciful imagery, delightful characters and intriguing tale makes for a fun cinematic experience for the whole family. I absolutely loved the three-legged family dog, who is the most endearing character in the film.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, it's cute and clever. And, never fear, it is not a "Fern Gully" rip-off. "Epic" gets 3 stars and it's rated PG.
