Epic Movie

Epic Movie, released in the year 2007, is a daring comic ensemble that showcases an adventurous and chaotic collage of satirical parodies from disparate movie-world genres. This oddball comedy is sprinkled with humor of all kinds, be it slapstick, crude, smart, or breathtakingly ridiculous, with the ability to make you laugh despite yourself.

The storyline revolves around four seemingly unrelated individuals: Edward, Peter, Susan, and Lucy. Played by Kal Penn, who is known for his comedic roles, Edward is an average guy, stuck in an unusual form of slavery, but strangely content. On the other hand, we have Peter, played by Adam Campbell, who is an ignored and underappreciated wannabe actor in a local mutant superhero saga. Susan and Lucy, played by Faune Chambers Watkins and Jayma Mays respectively, also play pivotal roles as the two most random orphans.

Destiny, however, has bigger plans for them. A series of bizarre circumstances bring together these four amusing misfits. A whimsical chocolate bar, a conspicuous wardrobe, a fascinating library book, and a peculiar antique provide the four protagonists their golden tickets to stumble upon Gnarnia (with a silent G), a magical world far beyond the reaches of reality and filled with as much paradox as it is with absurdity.

Epic Movie is a madcap pastiche of popular cinema parodying some of the biggest film franchises, including Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, X-Men, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Chronicles of Narnia, proving that nothing and no one is off-limits. The movie also takes a swipe at certain aspects of popular culture like American Idol and MySpace, embedding a sense of humor relatable to audiences of all ages at that time.

Despite its cornucopia of characters, Epic Movie ensures each one has their moment to shine. Kal Penn's portrayal of a confused yet sincere Edward is memorable. Jennifer Coolidge, who plays White Bitch, the wicked white witch, is remarkably intimidating and hilarious. Fred Willard as Aslo brings his singular type of comic genius to the film, cueing laughter in the most unexpected of scenes. Not to be overlooked are some surprising cameos, who make the film even more side-splittingly funny.

Directed by talented comedy directors Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer, known for their distinctive style of humor that borrows from everything and apologizes for nothing, Epic Movie is a roller coaster of hilarity. The humor certainly ranges from smart to silly to downright cheeky, with satire at its heart. They prove that you can not only include, but also laugh at everything right from pop culture, fairy tales, new-age film icons, modern social-networking to seemingly respected cinematic classics.

Visually, the movie doesn't hold back either. The production design captures the essence of all the movies it parodies, using grand sets and visual effects that smoothly transition from one cinematic parody to another. The visual spectacle adds color and a treat for the eyes, making the comedy even more eccentric.

Epic Movie, overall, is a farce of epic proportions with a series of rapid-fire gags and comic situations. It pays homage, in its own unique way, to some of the most important films of modern cinema, while simultaneously poking fun at them without mercy. It is a film that holds nothing sacred, and proves that, given a strong helping of audacious humor, even the grandest, most serious epic can provide a fitting framework for hilarity. Despite its inherent absurdities and over-the-top nature, Epic Movie manages to leave a mark on viewers with its brand of unabashed humor.

While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, if up for a no-holds-barred, all bets off kind of interactive spoof, then Epic Movie provides just the zany cinematic adventure one would expect. It is a comedy of the absurd made for those who enjoy their laughs big, bold, and wildly irreverent. A movie made to provide relaxation and laughter, it encourages one to sit back, relax and enjoy the ridiculously entertaining ride.