Just saw Epic this evening. It was a visual feast, chock full of wondrously creative character designs and genuinely breathtaking moments. It definitely shows off the level of expression and detail 3D animation is capable of in a way Guardians never quite managed to do.
I thought the film would be another Ferngully, but it reminded me more of The Borrowers. The focus of the movie is less environmental activism and more the emotional struggle of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. There is real death, real grief, and real consequences very early on that give the film a surprising emotional depth.
There’s also some really awesome moments, lots of action-packed adventure, clever comedy, and some quite frightening scenes. Additionally, there’s some troubling moral complications for main character M.K.: How is she supposed to feel about her “heroes” having psychologically tortured an already broken man for years? When their unwitting cruelty is discovered, should she be loyal to her father or her new friends? The movie has her make a satisfying decision here, and one I didn’t necessarily expect.
Having said all this, the strange presence of two comic relief characters in a slug and snail have me a little confused as to the intended audience. The rest of the film seems to be so thoroughly directed at teenagers and older kids. So what is this little kid humor doing in the middle of it?
Another small complaint: I wanted to know a bit more about our two deceased parents and the history of our main characters. I also was unsatisfied to be leaving this world so soon. I demand a prequel. Or a sequel. Whichever comes first.
The movie admirably doesn’t fall into any easy-fix romantic trap, recognizing that sometimes there are no easy solutions and you have to make the best out of what you’re dealt. And sometimes adulthood finds you whether you’re ready for it or not. When it does, it can be scary, but it can also be glorious, and, dare I say it, epic. (Sorry.)
Young Avengers #5: Jamie McKelvie discusses Wiccan’s new costume - Marvel AR (by MARVEL)
The reasoning behind Wiccan’s new costume. I personally really like it, although I think the long cape is a little impractical. But then again, I’m not sure if “practical” is really in tune with Billy’s mindset. Love the reasoning behind the cosmic fabric in his suit.
The Arkenstone, as described in The Hobbit, was a fantastic jewel found in the heart of the Lonely Mountain. It gave off it’s own light, but would become even more brilliant when reflecting the light of something else. It was an heirloom of Thorin’s family, and was therefore highly…
I’ve always subscribed to the theory that the Arkenstone may indeed have been a Silmaril. To me, it adds a whole new layer of meaning to the idea that Bilbo and Frodo were preordained by forces of good to find and destroy the Ring. It also seems thematically significant to me that a Silmaril, responsible for such division and bloodshed in the ancient past, is at the last a source for unity, friendship, courage, and an avoidance of bloodshed in the alliance it helps create (with Bilbo’s help). My, but hobbits are good to have around powerful objects, aren’t they?
A teachers hugs a child at Briarwood Elementary school after a tornado destroyed the school in south OKC Oklahoma City, OK, Monday, May 20, 2013. Near SW 149th and Hudson. By Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman - newsok
I think this will be one of those photos that stays with us.
