PopSyndicate.com

Fun but forgettable telling of the classic poem.

When I saw Beowulf in the theatre, I was blown away by the amazing 3D animation.  The film I found a bit dull and didn’t think it would hold up very well without the 3D effect.  Watching it again on DVD, I have to admit, it holds up very well without the 3D effect.  Director Robert Zemeckis has greatly improved the look and feel of animated humanity since his first attempt with the uber-creepy Polar Express. 

Beowulf is based on a 6th century poem.  King Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins) and his young Queen Wealthow’s (Robin Wright Penn) kingdom is plagued by a horrible creature called Grendel (Crispin Glover).  Grendel burst in on one of the King’s parties and quickly destroys everything and everyone he sees.  Hrothgar shuts his drinking hall down until someone is able to dispatch the beast. 

Beowulf (Ray Winstone) and his band of warriors arrive on the King’s shores one day to take Hrothgar up on his offer.  Beowulf persuades the king to reopen his drinking hall, which of course he does.  The merriment of the men once again bring the evil monster out of hiding and he goes on another killing spree.  Beowulf does what any warrior would when a monster attacks, strips nude and battles the brute.  After dispatching the misshapen creature, Beowulf goes after the mother (Angelina Jolie). 

The film isn’t necessarily deep or meaningful but what it lacks in that area, it more than makes up with visuals and dynamic action.  When Beowulf was released, it was said that Zemeckis wanted to release two versions, a family friendly PG-13 version and a full blown NC-17 version.  Warner Brothers wasn’t keen on the idea and it didn’t happen.  With the Director’s cut, Zemeckis was able to put more blood and gore back into the film but the additions are small and it’s hard to tell what was added. 

As for the animation, this is miles ahead of Polar Express and Monster House.  It still doesn’t have a completely real look about it as the characters can look wooden at times.  Still there are moments when everything does work and it looks incredibly realistic.  Give him a couple of more chances and Zemeckis will be able to pull it off perfectly.  His next film is an animated version of A Christmas Carol. 

Extra wise, there are some nice bonus features but not nearly the level you would expect.  “A Hero’s Journey: The Making of Beowulf” has interviews with director Robert Zemeckis and the cast and crew.  It’s not long but it does go into the making of the film.  Watching the actors on a little stage and then seeing the final product is impressive.  “Beast of Burden” goes into the design of the creatures in the film.  “The Origins of Beowulf” looks at the history of the poem and shares the thoughts of Zemeckis and writers Neil Gaiman and Roger Avery.  “Creating the Ultimate Beowulf” goes into character designs.  Rounding out the extras are a few unfinished deleted scenes.  It’s a shame there isn’t a commentary with Gaiman, Avery and Zemeckis. 

Beowulf isn’t a great film but it is impressive filmmaking.  Fantasy fans will be giddy with excitement over seeing the poem finally done with the respect it deserves.  It’s a great rental but it might be better to wait for a better edition to be released for a purchase.

3