Epic - B

Rated PG, 102 minutes

Colorful, familiar "Epic" has an air of fun

Josh Hutcherson voices the character of Nod in "Epic"

The new animated film "Epic" is an engaging comical-fantasy tale, and while it treads familiar ground (think "Thumbelina" meets "Honey I Shrunk the Kids"), it's still pleasant family entertainment. A teenage girl named M.K. (Amanda Seyfried) finds herself magically transported into a secret universe, where she teams up with an elite band of warriors (Josh Hutcherson, Colin Farrell and Beyonce) and a crew of comical, larger-than-life figures (Chris O'Dowd, Aziz Ansari and yes, Steven Tyler), to save their world and ours in an epic battle of good versus evil. Based loosely on James Joyce's children's book "The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs," "Epic" is directed by Chris Wedge, director of "Ice Age" and "Robots." The story is calculated, filled with too many characters and is sluggish at times, particularly in an uneven first act, but it picks up energy in the latter going, which should keep the kiddoes satisfied. The first-rate, standout visuals are handsome, clean and bright and make up for the script's weaknesses, and the voicing is nicely done by an all-star cast, most memorable Ansari and O'Dowd, providing comic relief as a couple of slugs, and recent Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz as the primary baddie. Those familiar with pop music will also notice the voice talents of Beyonce (whose role is much smaller than the trailers lead you to believe), Tyler and rapper Pitbull. "Epic," with a predictable ending still has a spry (if not slightly bland) energy and some decent laughs, providing a nice diversion for the kids during the holiday weekend. Serviceable family fun, even if you've seen it before.

Wes's Grade: B