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"Strange Magic" (c) & TM 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo Lucasfilm/Disney
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"Strange Magic" is a musical movie fairy tale based on "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare - and created by master moviemaker and storyteller George Lucas. It should be noted that while George Lucas created the story, three creditable screenplay writers - David Berenbaum ("Elf," "Haunted Mansion"), Irene Mecchi ("Brave," "The Lion King") and Sound Designer Gary Rydstrom ("Finding Nemo," "Saving Private Ryan") - wrote a skimpy screenplay.
"Strange Magic" is saved by the visually illustrated animation and voiceover talent in this mystical kingdom that is divided by good and evil. Of course the "good" are beautiful creatures while the "bad" are ugly, but cute. When Princess Marianne, voiced by two-time Golden Globe nominee Evan Rachel Wood ("Mildred Pierce," "Thirteen") is two-timed by her vain fiance, she finds herself falling in love with the ugly Bog King, voiced by the multi-talented actor Alan Cumming ("Spy Kids," "X-Men 2"). Cumming recently received a Golden Globe nomination for the role of Eli Gold in the hit television series "The Good Wife." The message of "don't judge anyone based on looks" is delivered loud and clear, which is a positive message for everyone attending the movie.
The musical score will have you tapping your feet with familiar songs from San Francisco native Michael Franti and The Temptations. "Strange Magic" is rated PG with a total running time (TRT) of 99 minutes.
Check out the Bay Area's new entertainment show, Real to Reel, every Sunday at 2:30 p.m., hosted by Derek Zemrak and Leonard Pirkle on KOFY TV20.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA