Epic calls itself a pretty pretentious title, in spite of fact the story is really about heroes protecting a land that isn't safe from evil. In modern definition, "Epic" is supposed to tell an extraordinary tale. The film shows us a fascinating miniscule world, and there are themes that may bring more to the scale. Unfortunately, none of those dig deeper and it sticks to the mainstream way of storytelling, leading an almost boring experience. It can be a little fun in some parts but it had some potential that wasn't executed well enough.
There is nothing wrong with the title "Epic" since the film's concept sure sounds like one, but that word is mostly described on the visuals and the setting than the actual story. Those wondrous landscapes can be a perfect world to set epic stories and battles. The plot displays some themes that could have been compelling like the relationships of these rebellious teenagers to their mentors, and redemption motivated by loss. But instead of making rich characters, they took the cliché points like generic romantic subplots and cute crass comic relief characters. It totally forgets whatever that would have been powerful and unique for the genre. And the cast who are known for music indeed sings in the film. Because they can sing! If you can get away from the clichés, then sadly you can't deny how much little soul the film provides. Also the villain is less exciting when all epic villains are supposed to spice things up.
The mythology behind the story is kind of intriguing, at least. Stories about tiny hidden worlds are already familiar, but Epic tries to deliver something much interesting about these heroes who are called "Leaf Men" and their connection to the forest's order. The narrative tends to fascinate at the beginning, but it becomes a forced exposition and sometimes played for more laughs afterwards. The animation looks enchanting which is the only remarkable merit the filmmakers have done.
My personal complain sounds too hipster. I understand it's a family film that is trying to be fun for everyone, but back in the days there were animated films that are actually epic and liked by many without cluttering any stale elements that lies amongst this film's storyline. In the overall picture, it does not fill enough depth, heart, and soul to the story. What's left to praise is the appropriate epic tone to the action scenes, and a bunch of visuals and ideas that anyone could root for. Epic is a waste of potential for being a real epic or probably a classic.
There is nothing wrong with the title "Epic" since the film's concept sure sounds like one, but that word is mostly described on the visuals and the setting than the actual story. Those wondrous landscapes can be a perfect world to set epic stories and battles. The plot displays some themes that could have been compelling like the relationships of these rebellious teenagers to their mentors, and redemption motivated by loss. But instead of making rich characters, they took the cliché points like generic romantic subplots and cute crass comic relief characters. It totally forgets whatever that would have been powerful and unique for the genre. And the cast who are known for music indeed sings in the film. Because they can sing! If you can get away from the clichés, then sadly you can't deny how much little soul the film provides. Also the villain is less exciting when all epic villains are supposed to spice things up.
The mythology behind the story is kind of intriguing, at least. Stories about tiny hidden worlds are already familiar, but Epic tries to deliver something much interesting about these heroes who are called "Leaf Men" and their connection to the forest's order. The narrative tends to fascinate at the beginning, but it becomes a forced exposition and sometimes played for more laughs afterwards. The animation looks enchanting which is the only remarkable merit the filmmakers have done.
My personal complain sounds too hipster. I understand it's a family film that is trying to be fun for everyone, but back in the days there were animated films that are actually epic and liked by many without cluttering any stale elements that lies amongst this film's storyline. In the overall picture, it does not fill enough depth, heart, and soul to the story. What's left to praise is the appropriate epic tone to the action scenes, and a bunch of visuals and ideas that anyone could root for. Epic is a waste of potential for being a real epic or probably a classic.