2008 Woodie Awards
SectionsEpic poem overshadows film
Thaddeus Stoklasa
Issue date: 11/27/07 Section: Features
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I'm torn on what to tell you all about "Beowulf."
On the one hand, it's a slickly-animated, sweeping epic fantasy story that shows us just how far computer animation technology has come in the last long while.
Then there's the fact that it really grabs hold of the idea of "adapting" a story for screen and doesn't just run with it, but runs screaming.
For those unfamiliar, King Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins) has opened a great mead hall, Heorot, for the express purpose of prolonged revelry. Unfortunately, said boisterous mirth happens to draw the ire of the local giant monster, Grendel (Crispin Glover), who decides the best recourse would be to butcher his annoying neighbors where they stand.
This brings forth the hero, Beowulf (Ray Winstone), who has traveled the seas in order to slay said ravenous beast.
In the process he falls for Queen Wealtheow (Robin Wright Penn) and is drawn under the influence of Grendel's scheming, seductive mother (Angelina Jolie).
The characters and world are all crafted in strikingly life-like computer animation that, at times, is indiscernible from reality. It's beautiful.
However, one of the biggest technical annoyances in this film is the obvious pandering to its release in IMAX 3-D. Pointing spears and hurling objects directly at the audience is a touch ridiculous when they're flat on the wall and not popping out at you dramatically.
The acting was okay. There was some dipping into melodrama, but that's to be expected in such over-the-top adventure.
The only performance I was particularly against was Grendel. His design, combined with Glover's voice work, came off more whiney and pathetic than threatening - even though he did keep ripping people limb from limb with his bear hands.
At this point, I'm gonna go ahead and put on my big, fancy literary-hat and tell you that this is not the story of Beowulf.
Oh sure, they've got some broad strokes and character names, but it's just not the same.
On the one hand, it's a slickly-animated, sweeping epic fantasy story that shows us just how far computer animation technology has come in the last long while.
Then there's the fact that it really grabs hold of the idea of "adapting" a story for screen and doesn't just run with it, but runs screaming.
For those unfamiliar, King Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins) has opened a great mead hall, Heorot, for the express purpose of prolonged revelry. Unfortunately, said boisterous mirth happens to draw the ire of the local giant monster, Grendel (Crispin Glover), who decides the best recourse would be to butcher his annoying neighbors where they stand.
This brings forth the hero, Beowulf (Ray Winstone), who has traveled the seas in order to slay said ravenous beast.
In the process he falls for Queen Wealtheow (Robin Wright Penn) and is drawn under the influence of Grendel's scheming, seductive mother (Angelina Jolie).
The characters and world are all crafted in strikingly life-like computer animation that, at times, is indiscernible from reality. It's beautiful.
However, one of the biggest technical annoyances in this film is the obvious pandering to its release in IMAX 3-D. Pointing spears and hurling objects directly at the audience is a touch ridiculous when they're flat on the wall and not popping out at you dramatically.
The acting was okay. There was some dipping into melodrama, but that's to be expected in such over-the-top adventure.
The only performance I was particularly against was Grendel. His design, combined with Glover's voice work, came off more whiney and pathetic than threatening - even though he did keep ripping people limb from limb with his bear hands.
At this point, I'm gonna go ahead and put on my big, fancy literary-hat and tell you that this is not the story of Beowulf.
Oh sure, they've got some broad strokes and character names, but it's just not the same.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Heather Woods
posted 11/29/07 @ 9:51 PM CST
Thank you so much for writing this review! I love the epic poem of Beowulf, but HATE every movie version I've ever seen of it. I thought this one might be different since the creators wouldn't be limited because it is animated. (Continued…)
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