Interesting visual effects, but story lacks depth

Rating: 6/10 (28 January 2008)

I work in computer graphics and visual effects so I watched this one partly for studying the effects and results of computer animation. The techniques are interesting and break new ground, but the overall impression is that they are not yet mature. Facial animation of the main characters is good, but there are many scenes and many characters that have mediocre animation. Also some of the movement animation, e.g. characters pulling a heavy cart, is worse than average. Budget problems?? The plot lacks depth, in particular in describing the inner struggles of our hero, Beowulf. Too much muscles and effects and too little brain in the making. Some of the main characters lose credibility because of this. Angelina Jolie, doesn't need to do much acting as the water demon, but the effect is still stunning, in particular if you have a secret crush on Jolie... Yikes!
All in all, it is an entertaining fantasy tale with a lot of action, and a because it is a milestone in mixed real/virtual storytelling, it is certainly worth seeing!