Movie Review: Beowulf
by Maggie Adan, Editor-in-Chief, K-Zone
Showing: November 14, 2007
The plot summary given to us goes: “In the age of heroes comes the mightiest warrior of them all…After destroying the overpowering demon Grendel, he incurs the wrath of the beast’s ruthlessly seductive mother, who will use any means possible to ensure revenge. The ensuing epic battle resonates throughout the ages, immortalizing the name of Beowulf. “
I was intrigued by how this one was going to turn out, knowing that they’re doing the motion capture-slash-CGI technique. I wasn’t too impressed with how it turned out in Polar Express and was worried it would be the same deal here. But when I saw the trailer, it—thankfully—looked light years better. Plus, the story appealed to the fan boy in me (we all have those in us, right?). One more thing going for it? Neil Gaiman’s involvement as the screenplay writer. And…my girl Angelina was gets her badass on in this movie so I was totally sold!
I got invited to the IMAX press screening (Thanks, Jay!) and was really stoked to see it. I was doubly excited when I was told that the entire movie—and not just parts of it—was going to be in 3D! I checked out the movie sites to see what the buzz was on the movie…and they’re practically worshipping Zemeckis now. I had an equal mix of high expectations and misgivings going into the theater, though. It looks good…but will my disdain for CGI acting get in the way?
Like I said, the CGI is light years better than before…but not perfect. I guess actors don’t have to worry about computerized versions of themselves taking away their jobs…YET. The mouth movements are still troublesome and some expressions (usually the subtle ones) don’t register enough. There are moments when the rendering is a bit clunky that they look like plastic dolls…or like they belong more in a Shrek movie.
On the other hand, there are moments when it’s frightening how completely real they look, capturing details like sweat beads and the actors’ mannerisms fully. But the visuals are merely icing on the cake in this movie. Amazing as the CGI work is on this (you really must see it on IMAX), what’s really great about it is the story (Go, Gaiman!). It’s a compelling and epic tale about heroism. You forget that they’re CGI and you’re totally taken for a wild ride. Favorite part? The battle between Beowulf and the dragon. That’s a cinematic battle on steroids.
November 16th, 2007 at 8:25 am
oh wow!! saw the movie last night. it was amazing! great animation, and storyline… way better than final fantasy and other animated film combined!
November 17th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
My God this is the most disgusting movie I watched this year because of it’s gore and violence and I never imagined Grendel to be that scary..
November 19th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
went to moa last sat to try and catch the last full show and was supposed to view it in imax but it was fully booked, will be back next week, I love anglina jolie I hope to view it in imax next week =)
November 20th, 2007 at 12:19 am
I was a bit disappointed it had to be full 3d … the women looked more like dolls but strangely the last few parts of the movie was pretty good.