New on DVD: The Family Friendly "Epic"

The animated film Epic is loosely based on the book The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs by William Joyce. The story centers around a young woman, Mary Katherine (Amanda Seyfried), or M.K., who decides to move in with her rather odd father, Professor Bomba (Jason Sudeikis), after her mother passes away. M.K.'s relationship with her father is already strained, but his insistence on the existence of a tiny race of people, known as Leaf-Men, causes further friction between them. However, M.K. will soon learn that the tiny group does indeed exist as she is unexpectedly thrust into their world and is tasked with saving it from the evil Mandrake (Christoph Waltz).

M.K. has the assistance of Nod (Josh Hutcherson), a brash young man and potential love interest (yes, they are compatible, since M.K. is shrunk down to his size), and Ronin (Colin Farrell), the experienced leader of the Leaf-Men who protect the forest that lies just beyond Professor Bomba's house. M.K. also encounters a series of odd characters, including Nim Galuu (Steven Tyler), a glowworm, Bufo (Pitbull), a bullfrog, and the duo of Mub (Aziz Ansari) and Glub (Chris O'Dowd), a slug and a snail, respectively. The group works together, for the most part, to save the forest from being destroyed by Mandrake, the leader of the nefarious Boggans, but they may also need help from M.K.'s father to insure victory.

Epic's computer animation looks lush, vibrant and is radiating with color. In addition, the characters are not necessary original, but are likable, nonetheless. However, the story, which is credited to five different screenwriters, lacks focus and the scenes do not flow easily or, at times, even logically. The film is also populated with too many characters who are each given something substantial to do, but viewers know next to nothing about them. Mub and Grub appear to want to help M.K. and the Leaf-Men, but they are easily distracted, which results in silliness that generates few laughs, even among the youngest audience members. If anything, I think a few of the voice actors are trying too hard, with little success.

I did enjoy watching Professor Bomba's dog, Ozzie, who has one-eye and three legs, and will steal your heart and make you smile every time he is on screen. In addition, Christoph Waltz plays a great villain, even in voice over, and is well cast as the central baddie. The aforementioned outstanding animation managed to hold my attention throughout, despite the problems with the screenplay, direction and editing. Regardless, Epic will certainly appeal to youngsters who will likely be entertained by the colorful characters and the juxtaposition of the two worlds, which are on a collision course that will change the lives of many characters. However, older viewers may struggle with finding something to keep them interested for the duration. In other words, watch with the kids, but have something else to keep you occupied.

Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne Shine in "Les Misérables"

Musicals are my least favorite movie genre and since I had never seen the Broadway production of Les Misérables, my interest in seeing the movie adaptation was minimal. However, after the film was nominated for countless awards, I had to see what all the fuss was about. While Les Misérables has not changed my mind about musicals, the film is well worth seeing, if only for the performances by talented cast, including Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne.

The principal story is set in early nineteenth century France and centers around Jean Valjean (Jackman) a good natured man who spent many years in prison for a petty theft. After receiving parole, he starts a new life with a new identity, but the demons from his past, one in the form of prison guard Jarvert (Russell Crowe), continue to haunt him. Since his parole, Valjean has become a successful businessman and is a model citizen. He cannot bear to see injustice prevail and, as a result, he becomes involved in the life of a former employee, Fantine (Hathway), who is trying to earn enough money to support her illegitimate daughter, Cosette, who is being cared for by a dubious couple. Valjean promises to help Fantine and Cosette, but a serious illness soon takes Fantine's life. Undeterred, the wealthy Valjean finds Cosette and becomes a father figure throughout her life and provides for her every need.

The forever vigilant Valjean runs into Javert on several occasions, thus forcing him and Cosette to move from place to place to maintain their freedom. As the young woman becomes an adult, love beckons in the form of an idealistic student, Marius Pontmercy (Eddie Redmayne), but the road to love and happiness is a long and difficult one. Making matters more troubling is the beginning of a revolt against the French government, which finds Marius heavily involved with the violent uprising. However, Valjean intervenes once again to do what is best for Cosette because he understands that the two youngsters are very much in love and have been needlessly kept apart. His continued sacrifice is admirable and he is determined to keep his promise to Fantine. 

Director Tom Hooper has assembled a terrific cast and elicits strong performances from many of them. While Anne Hathaway has received a great deal of attention for her work as the doomed Fantine, Hugh Jackman and Eddie Redmayne are also spectacular. I was aware of Jackman's acting range, but he managed to surprise me anyway with his aching, believable and physically impressive portrayal of Jean Valjean, which may be his best work to date. In addition, Eddie Redmayne, who has toiled in Independent films for some time, may finally break out with his emotionally layered performance as Marius. Redmayne possesses strong vocal skills and displays solid chemistry with Cosette (Amanda Seyfried). Of course, it is Hathaway who belts out "I Dreamed a Dream" and she also makes the most of the small amount of screen time that she is given. Her performance is deeply moving, tragic and unforgettable.The very serious and often depressing subject matter is, thankfully, offset when Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen appear as Thénardier and Madame Thénardier, respectively. Their thin veneers cannot hide the fact that they are scoundrels who only look out for themselves, but the comic relief they provide is necessary and appreciated.

Of course, it is the music that is the center of film's success and, for the most part, it works wonderfully. I suppose I was not prepared for how much singing was involved throughout the film, but it did not take long to adjust. To his credit, Tom Hooper keeps the film moving along, but I did feel that it ran a bit long. For instance, the scenes featuring Javert and Valjean felt all too familiar after a while, with the same general outcome, until late in the film, when two events change the course of Javert's life forever. On the other hand, Hooper's attention to detail with the technical aspects of the film, including costume design, set design and make-up, is sensational. 

I largely credit Hugh Jackman with my overall positive opinion of Les Misérables. He is simply outstanding from start to finish by delivering a multi-layered performance and showcasing his considerable and varied talents. I doubt that there is anything Jackman cannot do well and if he is regularly cast in movie musicals I may be more inclined to see them in the future. The thing that surprised me the most about Les Misérables is the hopeful, even positive vibe that I felt as it concluded. With subject matter this dark, I am not sure how it is possible not to feel depressed or sad, but I did not. I guess that is the magic of film making.