Spectacular animated action scenes turn the ancient epic poem Beowulf into a modern fantasy movie, while motion-capture technology transforms plump actor Ray Winstone (Sexy Beast) into a burly Nordic warrior. When a Danish... more » kingdom is threatened by the monster Grendel (voiced and physicalized by Crispin Glover, River's Edge), Beowulf--lured by the promise of heroic glory--comes to rescue them. He succeeds, but falls prey to the seductive power of Grendel's mother, played by Angelina Jolie... and as Jolie's pneumatically animated form rises from an underground lagoon with demon-claw high heels, it becomes clear that we're leaving the original epic far, far behind. Regrettably, the motion-capture process has made only modest improvements since The Polar Express; while the characters' eyes no longer look so flat and zombie-like, their faces remain inexpressive and movements are still wooden. As a result, the most effective sequences feature wildly animated battles and the most vivid character is Grendel, whose grotesqueness ends up making him far more sympathetic than any of the mannequin-like human beings. The meant-to-be-titillating images of a naked Jolie resemble an inflatable doll more than a living, breathing woman (or succubus, as the case may be). But the fights--particularly Grendel's initial assault on the celebration hut--pop with lushly animated gore and violence. Also featuring the CGI-muffled talents of Anthony Hopkins (Silence of the Lambs), Robin Wright Penn (The Princess Bride), and John Malkovich (Dangerous Liaisons). --Bret Fetzer« less
Classic story with out of this world plotline and CGI!
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
John Q. from LAKEWOOD, CO Reviewed on 10/29/2012...
Well done animation. At times you will forget that you are not viewing live action. Good telling of the Beowulf story with lots of action and drama.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
William E. from ATKINSON, IL Reviewed on 10/20/2011...
I liked this movie even with the CGI effects. It is an interesting twist on the same tale.
I own two other versions, one with Christopher Lambert and the other with Gerard Butler (Beowul & Grendel). Both of these are good also.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Pamela G. (pamgram1) from CHAFFEE, MO Reviewed on 5/25/2010...
A++++++++++ I Loved this movie. Even though it was computerized it is based on actual individuals movements. You must watch the special additions telling about the movie on this dvd. I am getting the Blu-Ray for my keeper shelf.......
"In Denmark, A.D. 507, the realm of King Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins) is threatened by the tormented demon Grendel (Crispin Glover) that attacks the locals in their celebrations. The Danish king offers a reward for the death of the creature Grendel, attracting to Herot the brave great warrior Beowulf (Ray Winstone). After a fierce battle, Beowulf defeats the demon and after receiving an old relic as reward, he finds his men slaughtered in the party saloon of the castle. King Hrothgar advises that the Grendel's mother was the one responsible for the bloodshed and Beowulf chases her in the lake where she lives. The creature takes the form of a seductive woman (Angelina Jolie) and seduces Beowulf with a promise of becoming an invincible and wealthy king if he makes love to her and gives his golden relic to her. Years later, King Beowulf feels the aftermath of his sin.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Chad B. (abrnt1) from CABERY, IL Reviewed on 2/24/2010...
The cgi makes it look like a PS2 game. Horrible. This film is impossible too enjoy.
1 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Paula M. (pajemar) from EDWARDSPORT, IN Reviewed on 9/24/2009...
Loved this Movie!!
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Laura D. (pugfurniture) from SHEBOYGAN, WI Reviewed on 9/11/2009...
I really enjoyed this movie, even through i didn't think that I would. The story is interesting and how the movie is made is even more interesting.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Deb R. (Corgimamma) from DURANGO, CO Reviewed on 8/10/2009...
The subject matter was good, I just don't enjoy computer generated as much as some folks.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Larry W. (Blackettle) from NAMPA, ID Reviewed on 7/29/2009...
The computer made film had no flow. They could have used claymation and had a better result. Overhyped. They should have just paid the actors the full amount and filmed them. The monsters could have been added. Glad I didn't waste a credit on it.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jeff V. (burielofmel) from HARRIMAN, TN Reviewed on 6/7/2008...
I was kind of disappointed in this. The characters moved too much like puppets or video game characters. The visual look was great but the movements no so great. It has some bonus features that were interesting to watch.