November 22, 2007

• movie I've seen recently....

  
  Beowulf - in IMAX 3D   (2007)  B+

  Ambitious is one word to describe "Beowulf." The decision to do the whole movie in CGI isn't necessarily appealing to most people. Applying 3D to the whole movie in some screenings is also questionable. Coming out in a year that had the popular movie "300" will undoubtedly garner unwanted comparisons. To top it off, this movie is adapting an old 8th - 11th century english poem. A lot can go wrong with "Beowulf," but fortunately the movie works splendidly. This is all thanks to the direction by Robert Zemeckis and the screenplay by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary.

  The motion capture work used to bring actors like Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, Robin Wright Penn, or Angelina Jolie to life in a computer animated movie is extraordinary. It was very easy for me to get caught up in the moment, that at times it did feel like I was watching a live action movie. Beowulf is also the best 3D experience I ever had in a movie (saw it in imax), making it even more immersive than ever. Sure the CGI and 3D may be spectacular, but they still show signs for improvement.

  The story itself seems deceptively simple enough, like the action-fest of "300." However in Beowulf, there is a subtle engaging depth in the characters and the story, that it's no wonder the tale has stood the test of time. I left the movie definitely wanting to see more of the story and the characters. Considering the original poem has influenced many modern day tales, the problem that some people might have is that the plot is more or less familiar overall; despite the movie having it's own unique flavor to things.

  "Beowulf" is something that has to be experienced. It truly gives us a glimpse of what the future of movies can be visually, and it is quite exciting.

  • 9:49 am
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