Two of this week’s major releases (Fast & Furious 6 and The Hangover Part III) skew toward an older crowd, but there’s still a little something in multiplexes for the whole family: Epic, a fantasy adventure with voice work from Amanda Seyfried, Josh Hutcherson, and Beyonce Knowles. Read on to find out more.
What’s it about? While looking for her missing father in a forest, a teenage girl stumbles across fantastical creatures and finds herself in the midst of a battle between good and evil.
Who’s it for? It’s rated PG for “mild action, some scary images and brief rude language.” A parent is separated from his child, and some of the tiny magical characters might spook younger children, but it’s probably safe for ages eight and up.
Is it any good? Critics say Epic‘s plot will seem familiar even to children, but it’s an exciting, beautifully animated fantasy that’s witty and often inspired.
What’s it about? Ethan (Alden Ehrenreich) is instantly smitten by Lena (Alice Englert), who’s just moved to his small southern town. But their budding love affair is endangered by Lena’s supernatural powers.
Who’s it for? It’s rated PG-13 for “violence, scary images, and some sexual material.” Beautiful Creatures isn’t super racy or intense; in fact, the bigger concern is that it will make teens go all swoony.
Is it any good? Critics say the cast is likable, but the plot is predictable, and the whole thing plays like a (slightly) smarter, Dixie-fied version of Twilight.
