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First Look: ‘Epic’ fills need for animation

What: “Epic”

When: Opening Friday

Voice cast: Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Seyfried, Christoph Waltz and Beyonce Knowles

Director: Chris Wedge

The story: A teenage girl is transported into a fantastical realm, deep in the heart of a forest, in which powerful creatures battle to save the natural world from the forces of evil in this animated 3-D comedy adventure.

The buzz: The fact that “Epic” comes from the creators of “Ice Age” and “Rio” doesn’t hurt. But it’s the pent-up demand for animated family fare — aside from “The Croods” and the re-release of “Monsters, Inc.,” there hasn’t been much this year — that should ensure big crowds.

— CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE

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