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Based on the 1995 Super Famicom Game by NAMCO, Tales of Phantasia (2004) is a four-part sword-and-sorcery epic that suggests a mixture of Record of Lodoss War and the .hack series. The convoluted plot mixes elements and images from Norse mythology, medieval Christianity, and standard fantasy literature. The destruction wrought by demon-king Dhaos sends dedicated knight Cress, his archer-friend Chester; and healer Mint, on a quest through time and space to halt the supernatural attacks. They travel to the past to gain the assistance of summoner Claus and half-elf Arche; the quintet defeats Dhaos 50 years in the future. Although the fate of mankind hangs in the balance, the filmmakers make grinding shifts in tone between melodrama and farce. Tales of Phantasia features interesting character designs, striking effects and handsome backgrounds: it's a shame they're wasted on a hopeless muddle of a story.(Rated 13 and older: violence, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon