Epic Movie

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If you call various takes from films that have been done over and over 'epic' then Epic Movie is right for you, but if you want something that isn't written by 'two of the six writers' who brought you Scary Movie Four then avoid this film like the plague. There are a good few laugh out loud moments and the film exceeded my expectations greatly, but I did want to see Hot Fuzz instead.

The film is based on four orphans brought together because they 'found' tickets to visit a chocolate factory where they stumble upon a portal to Gnarnia. In Gnarnia they learn that they must fulfil the prophecy and defeat the White Bitch. To do this they enlist the help of a pirate, a wizard and other characters that have graced our screens in recent years.

The story works well though, with elements of the Chronicles of Narnia, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Da Vinci Code and other big titles thrown together. The plot has a nice flow to it, and it doesn't drag on.

The film is good but I don't think this film will be remembered as optimistically as the title suggests but it is funny, and at times outrageously stupid. If you go to see this film with very low expectations or at least hoping it's better than Scary Movie Four you will enjoy it. To be honest though, it's not one of those have-to-see-in-the-cinema films like Lord of the Rings, and it might be more worthwhile to rent it, and if you do rent it, it is one of those watch-with-a-friend-so-you-don't-sound-like-a-gobshite-laughing-by-yourself films, and there's usually better craic with other people around anyway.

I'd recommend this film to anyone who just wants to laugh at stupid jokes and watch the big budget Hollywood movies get the mickey taken out of them. I would consider it more of a teen movie or at least for a younger generation (humour-wise etc.), but it's definitely watch able by people of all ages, but the humour definitely isn't for kids. I'd give the film a solid 8/10.

Keith Norris