Beyonce probably had Blue Ivy in mind when she signed on to lend her voice to the adorable animated film “Epic.”
A daughter. Leaf people. A three legged dog. These are things you will find in “Epic,” a film by Blue Sky Studios featuring Beyonce and Pitbull. While the two lend their gifted voices to the film, they are accompanied by Amanda Seyfried, Josh Hutcherson, Colin Farrell and more.
“Epic” is a tale of a young daughter, Mary Katherine, or M.K., who moves in with her estranged father after her mother died. Once at her father’s home, she encounters him to be living in a seemingly imaginary place filled with mini-leaf people who experience life at a faster pace than humans. While debating the problem of whether she should be independent or try to get her father to give up his hobby, M.K. wonders the forest and magically finds herself living among the leaf people. Trapped in this new world, M.K. agrees to help the leaf people in their fight against evil.
Beyonce provides the voice for Queen Tara, the Queen and peace seeker for all the leaf people and beings that live in the forest. Beyonce is able to show a loving voice that can pertain to all children alike, and then in contrast, is able to show fierceness and power at the same time. Queen Tara is the protector of all in the forest; she can conjure plants to grow with her mind and is able to move objects just as easily. Beyonce also performed her song “Rise Up” for the film, which can be heard here:
Pitbull brings his voice to Bufo, a shady toad who befriends Mandrake (played by Christoph Waltz). In the film, Pitbull brings a rather comedic performance as an almost Soprano-seeming character that may be a little too powerful when it involves fixed races. Pitball’s does a wonderful job changing his voice to range from being a rather powerful and menacing character to a nervous train wreck and cowering from danger.
The film is a must see if you love the progresses in 3D technology. There was even a scene with a deer that looked so realistic, I was second guessing myself on whether it was animated or not. The film will definitely entertain the younger audience and anyone who really enjoys a classic kid’s love story.
“Epic” hits theaters today.
-Catherina Gioino
EPIC
Animated Adventure-Comedy in 3D
Release: May 24, 2013
Director: Chris Wedge
Producers: Lori Forte, Jerry Davis
