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 Rated: PG-13
Starring: Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, John Malkovich, Robin Wright Penn, Brendan Gleeson
Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Although the storyline drags a bit, I was totally mesmerized
by Beowulf"s 3D and special effects.
The stylized animated feature accomplishes what it set out to do,
provide a movie that would attract a young audience that"s into gaming and
fantasy action. The film screams for
Xbox interaction, but the technology just isn"t there yet.
Based on the novel, Beowulf centers on a Danish King
(Hopkins) who reaches out for help from Beowulf (Winstone) to kill off Grendel
(Glover), a horrific beast that attacks his castle.
Beowulf fends off the ugly monster and falls
for the kings wife (Penn), who becomes romantically involved with him. But, Beowulf has not completed his task and
sets out to destroy Grendel and become a hero.
What he doesnt expect is a visit from Grendels mother (Jolie).
The special
technique of using an actors likeness and voice for the plots character that
is subsequently animated into the film, is kind of fun to watch. I found it makes the movie more enjoyable,
especially Hopkins as King Hrothgar, the worn out King who has given up on
Grendels attacks, and subsequently lost favor with his wife.
Malkovich plays Unferth, the kings confidant. Unferth brings some humor to the film as he
tries unsuccessfully to manage the Kings affairs. Glovers Grendel looks like a hideous human
with dangling flesh and distorted facial features, managing to crush the
Kings army at will.
The stand-out performance comes
with the 3D animators who illustrate ghastly creatures that protrude from the
screen, shoot arrows and spears at you, some of which I thought would hit me
and create other realistic gimmicks that elicit audience interaction.
The film
contains a lot of fantasy violence with some very ugly creatures. Mature teens will have the best fun at the
film.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good action fantasy with some great
3D animation in select theatres. It is also available in the regular 2D movie
format at most theatres.
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