Beowulf redefines the 3D experience

Rating: 10/10 (12 November 2007)

*** contains minor story revelations ***
Throughout the past decade DVDs, BluRays and HD-DVDs have upgraded many homes to theater like environments which is why a dedicated group of filmmakers like James Cameron and Robert Zemeckis have decided to push the theatrical movie going experience to new limits. The advent of Beowulf is the first result of their resolve as it utilizes photo realistic animation in conjunction with 3D digital projection to plunge the viewer right into the action.
The film's story is set in a small, remote northern village in Denmark where the inhabitants dwell in fear of a monster known as Grendel. Whenever the people engage in a merry feast an attack of the monster ensues. So the King promises a reward to he who rids the village of the creature and restores order. The brave Beowulf rises to the challenge but the revenge of Grendel's mother is terrible. So Beowulf sets out again, intent on killing Grendel's mother, but she turns out to be a beautiful, seductive entity that presents Beowulf with a promising choice, a choice the consequences of which Beowulf can not even begin to comprehend....
Of all the 3D movie experiences at theme parks, movie theaters etc. Beowulf has thus far been the by far most impressive one. (I did see it in regular 3D not in IMAX 3D) Robert Zemeckis has pushed motion capture based animation to new limits bearing a photorealism hitherto unseen. All the characters look fantastic, the best looking one is the Angelina Jolie based model of Grendel's mother. She really looks like the real deal. Pity she has only so much screen time.
The story was good even though at first it takes a little time to get going, but that's a good chance to get used to the 3D experience because once the action sets in your eyes will be challenged. Zemeckis shot/animated the movie with fluid shots that make good use of the depth of field that work so well in 3D. I did like the overall look, the actors voice work/mo-cap acting was great. Overall experience: Loved it. Can't wait to see it again.