Beowulf (2007) Review

Since before the 10th century people have been mesmerized by the Old English tale of Beowulf. It has survived the destruction of religious manuscripts during the Henry the VII dissolution of monasteries and at least one fire.

Whether it can survive the latest rendition remains to be seen.

Plot Details
This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

The Legend

King Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins) has a small kingdom in an out-of-the-way region of Denmark in 507 AD. To celebrate victories the king ordered the building of the greatest Meade-Hall that ever was built. Celebrations included excesses of food and alcohol. Loud reveling awakened the monster Grendel who is the son of a deamonness. Grendel attacks the meade hall murdering many of the King's men, but not the king himself. Later we find out that King Hrothgar is Grendel's father.
Upset, the king puts a bounty on the head of Grendel. He offers up to half the kingdom for someone who can rid them of the beast.

Stepping up to challenge is Beowulf (Ray Winstone) a Norsemen with a strong personality. Unferth (John Malkovich) takes and instant dislike to him and openly disputes the word of Beowulf's other adventures. He is openly admired by Wealthow (Robin Wright Penn) who seems to silently cheer him on under the watchful gaze of her husband King Hrothgar.

They set up a party in the meade-hall in hopes of triggering Grendal's wrath. Beowulf strips naked in preparation for the fight which he wins.

The only one unhappy at the death of Grendal is his mother, a water demon. (Angelina Jolie) In retaliation the water demon murders most of Beowulf's men forcing Beowulf to her den in an attempt to kill her.

The attempt fails. In a cleverly crafted twist Beowulf winds up sleeping with her. He sires a son who later comes back to kill Beowulf and attempts to kill his wife and mistress. In a grand finale, the son becomes a great gold dragon. As he soars through the air with flames billowing from his mouth Beowulf climbs the dragons body to cut and pull out the beast's heart. In its death throes the airborne beast plunges into the sea where he lands beside his father, Beowulf. Both father and son succumb to their injuries.

The deamonness slowly rises from the sea to tempt the next king. It leaves the possibility of a sequel dangling in the air.

Acting and Animation

The animation is sort of realistic. It reminds me of a Playstation type of video game. For the most part the video is breathtaking. The artistry is stunning for the most part but, the whole movie needed a little more work.

The main characters are very well done. Angelina Jolie looked as beautiful on this animated screen as she does on any other screen. Ray Winstone looked very realistic as Beowulf. At times, the character's movements lacked fluidity and reminded you that you are watching a modern day cartoon.

While much time and attention was spent on the main characters the other characters suffered. All of the women looked as though they stepped straight out of the movie Shrek and seemed out of place when compared to the rest of the film.

The voice acting was well done. Even the twisted toungues of Old English sounded good when uttered by Anthony Hopkins. Some of the other movie goers commented that at times the accents were difficult to understand. There are moments when you do have to listen closely but for the most part the accents and dialogue flow well.

Yesterday's Beowulf vs Today's Beowulf

Translations of the original epic poem are available on the internet. I looked at a couple. The onscreen version leaves out much of the references to religion that are found in the ancient writings. There are other more subtle differences as well.

While I did enjoy the movie I didn't think it was great. Our theater held only 15-20 people. Reactions upon leaving were mixed.

Rating

This movie is very similar to modern video games. It carries a PG rating. There is realistic animated violence and the monsters are gory. Foul language is absent. There are sexual innuendos and nudity.

Viewing Options

Beowulf is available in Imax 3-D and the standard 2-D. I viewed the 2-D. It was an enjoyable movie but I wouldn't pay full price. I'm not into video games. Those who are may enjoy it more. I do wish the screenwriters had stuck to more of the original poem instead of straying.

Because of the violence and gore parents of preteens and young children may not want their children to watch the movie. Even animated some scenes are just hard to watch. Kids viewing the nightmares inflicted upon King Hrothgar and Beowulf may have nightmares themselves.

All in all, we enjoyed the film but I probably won't by the DVD.