First Look: ‘Epic’ fills need for animation
What: “Epic”
When: Opening Friday
Voice cast: Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Seyfried, Christoph Waltz and Beyonce Knowles
Director: Chris Wedge
The story: A teenage girl is transported into a fantastical realm, deep in the heart of a forest, in which powerful creatures battle to save the natural world from the forces of evil in this animated 3-D comedy adventure.
The buzz: The fact that “Epic” comes from the creators of “Ice Age” and “Rio” doesn’t hurt. But it’s the pent-up demand for animated family fare — aside from “The Croods” and the re-release of “Monsters, Inc.,” there hasn’t been much this year — that should ensure big crowds.
— CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE