Review: Epic 3D, or Just What Is So Epic About This Movie, Anyway?

Christoph Waltz Fans

If it's so epic, why's it in lower case?

Upon hearing the word "epic", the first thing that comes to mind (at least to English majors) is Beowulf. Or the Iliad and Odyssey. "Epic" suggests some grand narrative encompassing decades, or even millennia. So what makes this movie "epic"? Because it's definitely not the scope.

EPIC COSTUMES
Costume design was excellent, at least for the Leaf Men, whose wardrobe looked like a Westerosi tailor married a Middle-Earth seamstress and they set up shop in Fern Gully. For the villainous Boggans, not so much, although to be fair, they had animal skins on. You can also expect Queen Tara's white petal gown in next year's Oscars.

BNL Mag

"Don't even think about it, Gaga." -Beyoncé

Dark Shadows Review, or Is There a Team Burton?

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A lot of people who wish to sound smart will comment on the fact that director Tim Burton seems to be using the same actors over and over again. Well, yes he is. But you can't blame him for that. It saves thousands of dollars per movie, money which can be redirected to the other departments such as costumes and special effects. So if you're a director, it pays to marry and be best friends with great actors.

But going back to the topic─is there a Team Burton? The answer is yes, there is definitely a Team Burton, and yes, that pun was forced. And I shall show you by analyzing the last five movies of Tim Burton, this film included. And those films are, in reverse order of chronology: Dark Shadows, Alice in Wonderland, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Corpse Bride, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

On the surface, the three actors common to all five films are:

Johnny Depp

Movie Fanatic

Those finger extensions look fake
as well as horrendous.

Weird, oddball role: Check.

Weird, oddball acting: Check.