Review of Beowulf (2007) by Joel. — 19 Nov 2007
English majors, rejoice. Canterbury Tales can't be long in following... The visuals (I saw in 3-D) dominate this film, because you can create so many gorgeous shots with impossible focus and rollercoaster pans when you are working with animation.
The story is myth and the imagery is completely harmonious with that approach. Gaiman's story is really a reimagining of the poem, where Hrothgar and Beowulf have common vulnerabilities and flaws (specifically Angelina Jolie nude) that cost them their chance at happiness.
One thing that CGI still can't replicate well is the movement of the mouth. Polar Express, Final Fantasy and Beowulf still lack the sneer, spittle, pursing of the cheeks and the baring of the upper teeth that distinguish live movement from flat lip flapping.
The other negative is the poor development of the king's wife's character, which is another dreamed-up concept; for it to be believable, Gaiman should have given her something to do other than be the kept woman and damsel in distress.
The final battle with the dragon ranks as one of the most intense CGI experiences, in the same class as Gandalf's descending battle with the underworld demon in LOTR: Two Towers and Harry Potter's duel with the dragon in HP: Goblet of Fire.
Don't take your children under 13, seriously. Grendel is as nightmare-inducing as the creature of the original poem.
This review of Beowulf (2007) was written by Joel. on 19 Nov 2007.
Beowulf has generally received mixed reviews.
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