Beowulf (2007) Movie Review, Trailer, Film Still and Poster

U.S. 2007
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Cast: Ray Winstone, Angelina Jolie, Anthony Hopkins, Crispin Glover, Alison Lohman, Brendan Gleeson
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: November 16th 2007
Running Time: 1 hour 26 minutes

The Movie Review

Beowulf film still


BEOWULF
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After so many Beowulf movies, in the end of year 2007 we have another Beowulf legend. The movie entitled Beowulf still tells the story of the legendary Beowulf which based on the old english poem. However screenwriters Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary have made some creative twists on the plot.

Beowulf is a danish legendary hero and king who is originally comes from Geatland. The Danish at that time are facing the threat from Grendel, a Troll (a monster) who constantly disturbs the peaceful life of the king Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins) and his people. Beowulf (Ray Winstone) and his men arrives in danish by the request of king Hrothgar himself, he and the men soon finds that Grendel is more than just a mere Troll and why king Hrothgar survives in Grendel's attack. Beowulf is also going to have to face a bigger threat, Grendel's seductive mother the Water Hag (Angelina Jolie).

This latest Beowulf movie is the one that makes the previous movies weep. It's a film that uses motion capture that resembles the real actors and actresses significantly. By applying motion capture technique, its filmmakers are able to create screenplay that allows its characters to do things beyond real human capabilities, thus enliven the battle scenes to the most amazing level. Most notably the scene of fighting and riding the dragon across the mountain, it's really captivating. It's utterly fascinating.

You will however still notice some wooden expression on the characters face, nonetheless I'm not going to start bitching about it, as far as I'm concerned this is the best motion capture film to date, and the eyes of the characters are lively, especially the eyes of Ursula (Alison Lohman).

The daily live of the danish and the geats is also felt more realistic by the accompanying beautiful music and voice played by Wealtheow, it really establishes the tones of Beowulf's time. The King, beautiful queen, warriors, hero, troll, dragon and hag (well probably the most beautiful hag ever), all elements of the northern European legend has its share in Beowulf. Note though, some scenes in this movie are definitely not for kids.
On the whole, this movie Beowulf, is a great epic movie and definitely a must to watch.