Epic Movie
When the Pevensie siblings each follow their own path, they find themselves at Willy's Chocolate Factory. Walking through a wardrobe, they discover the world of Gnarnia, ruled by the White Bitch. Meeting up with characters such as Harry Potter and Captain Jack Swallows, the newly reunited family must team up with Aslo, a wise-but-horny lion to stop the White Bitch's army.
Despite a mid-range budget of $20.0M, Epic Movie became a commercial success, earning $87.2M worldwide—a 336% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Epic Movie (2007) exhibits strategically placed narrative architecture, characteristic of Jason Friedberg's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 25 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Four orphans (Lucy, Edward, Peter, Susan) live separate mundane lives - Lucy works at a Mexican restaurant, Edward is bullied at a candy factory, Peter is a mutant at Xavier's school, Susan trains as an assassin.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when Willy is revealed to be evil and kills the other children. The four orphans escape through a wardrobe portal, disrupting any sense of safety and forcing them into an unknown world.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 20 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to The four orphans actively choose to stay in Gnarnia and accept the quest to defeat the White Bitch and find the magic wardrobe, committing to the hero's journey., moving from reaction to action.
At 40 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 47% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat The White Bitch captures the orphans and kills Aslo. False defeat - the mentor is dead and the heroes are imprisoned, stakes raised significantly., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 60 minutes (71% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The White Bitch prepares to execute the orphans. All hope seems lost - their mentor is dead, they are powerless, and the villain has won. The "whiff of death" as they face execution., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 65 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 76% of the runtime. Aslo is resurrected (parody of Narnia's resurrection). The orphans gain new resolve and information about defeating the White Bitch through unity and the remote control device., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Epic Movie's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Epic Movie against these established plot points, we can identify how Jason Friedberg utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Epic Movie within the comedy genre.
Jason Friedberg's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Jason Friedberg films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Epic Movie represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jason Friedberg filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Jason Friedberg analyses, see Meet the Spartans.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Four orphans (Lucy, Edward, Peter, Susan) live separate mundane lives - Lucy works at a Mexican restaurant, Edward is bullied at a candy factory, Peter is a mutant at Xavier's school, Susan trains as an assassin.
Theme
Willy (the Wonka parody) tells the orphans "You are the chosen ones" - establishing the theme of unlikely heroes finding their destiny together.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the parody universe blending multiple fantasy franchises. The four orphans receive golden tickets and meet at Willy's chocolate factory, establishing their distinct personalities and comedic dynamics.
Disruption
Willy is revealed to be evil and kills the other children. The four orphans escape through a wardrobe portal, disrupting any sense of safety and forcing them into an unknown world.
Resistance
The orphans arrive in Gnarnia and meet Mr. Tumnus and other inhabitants. They learn about the White Bitch's curse and debate whether to help or flee. Aslo the lion guides them toward their destiny.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The four orphans actively choose to stay in Gnarnia and accept the quest to defeat the White Bitch and find the magic wardrobe, committing to the hero's journey.
Mirror World
The orphans meet Aslo and begin training. Relationships form, particularly Edward's connection with the group after his initial betrayal, representing the theme of found family.
Premise
The fun premise delivers: parodies of Narnia, Harry Potter, X-Men, Pirates of the Caribbean, and other franchises. The orphans train, encounter various fantasy characters, and navigate the absurd Gnarnia landscape.
Midpoint
The White Bitch captures the orphans and kills Aslo. False defeat - the mentor is dead and the heroes are imprisoned, stakes raised significantly.
Opposition
The orphans are separated and tortured. The White Bitch's forces close in. Edward faces his cowardice, Peter doubts his leadership, Lucy and Susan question if they can succeed without their mentor.
Collapse
The White Bitch prepares to execute the orphans. All hope seems lost - their mentor is dead, they are powerless, and the villain has won. The "whiff of death" as they face execution.
Crisis
The orphans process their imminent death and failure. In their darkest moment, they reflect on their journey and what they've learned about courage, loyalty, and family.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Aslo is resurrected (parody of Narnia's resurrection). The orphans gain new resolve and information about defeating the White Bitch through unity and the remote control device.
Synthesis
Final battle sequence. The orphans combine their individual skills, lead the Gnarnia army against the White Bitch, and use the remote control to defeat her. Action-packed finale with multiple franchise parodies.
Transformation
The four orphans, once isolated and struggling individuals, are crowned as the kings and queens of Gnarnia, transformed into a united family and confident heroes.