Mesmerizing!

Rating: Null/10 (28 November 2007)

After initially being put off by the motion capture technique used in this movie, once I settled into it I was riveted. I've always loved the Beowulf and Grendel story and although this is not a literal interpretation of the classic epic poem, it is thoroughly entertaining on it's own terms. I went in the theatre knowing nothing of the cast, save that Angelina Jolie (fantastic dragon lady!) was in it and was pleasantly surprised to find the likes of Anthony Hopkins, John Malkovich and Robin Wright Penn sharing the screen. I will not even reveal who played Grendel, because it was such a treat to discover this at the end, in the credits. I found this version of the story to be the absolute best I've ever seen even if the director did take certain liberties in the retelling. I appreciate the fact that the director was able to evoke my sympathy for pitiful Grendel even as I was revolted and horrified by him. He is rather a Frankenstein monster for the medieval set; didn't ask to be born, but there he is. I cannot possibly spoil this movie for anyone which I will do if I keep writing. Hie thee to the theatre posthaste and see this mesmerizing film!