The story behind the legend...

Rating: 7/10 (14 November 2007)

If you've never heard the story, "Beowulf" is the tale of the legendary warrior Beowulf who comes to a distant land to conquer Grendel, a monster annihilating the countryside. After being told countless warriors have lost their lives trying to defeat this monster, Beowulf fearlessly declares he will be the victor against this foul beast. The mighty warrior keeps to his word and defeats Grendel in hand-to-hand combat.
Unfortunately, the city is soon attacked once again by Grendel's mother, who is enraged by the loss of her son and wants revenge. To make a long story short, Beowulf defeats her as well. The story then picks up years later when Beowulf is now king of his own land and must deal with a dragon terrorizing the town. Once again, to make a long story short, Beowulf is defeated by the dragon but his trusted companion comes out victorious and saves the land.
So how was Hollywood going to turn this paragraph into a movie? I must say, I was quite surprised. Figuring the makers of the film would simply take the basic story and add pointless extra scenes, it turned out the idea of the film was quite different. Basically, this is what really happened to Beowulf. The story that has been around for a reasonably long time turns out to be simply stuff of legend and bards' tales.
I don't want to give away anymore, but I will say right away that this is not for the weak of heart. Although it is an animated feature, there is gore galore. The animation is stunning with some scenery that looks almost real.
As for the characters, they look just as realistic. Speaking of the characters, the character development in the film is done excellently as well. Beowulf is a hero and he knows it. So, like any other hero would be, he is full of arrogance and likes to stretch the truth.
So if you're looking for a legendary adventure filled with action, Beowulf is exactly what you're searching for. It arrives in theaters everywhere Friday the 16th of November.