For what it is - it's really pretty good

Rating: 8/10 (6 December 2007)

This is simply the best 3D film that I've ever seen. Although there are a few times where they still are playing with the technology which are extraneous and distracting, on the whole the 3D experience is well integrated and used to bring out the action in the film. Some of the shots in the hall and in caves were excellent and subtle uses of the technology. The final breathtaking battle scenes were less subtle but effective uses of 3D to generate excitement and bring out different points of views.
What's great about this film is that the parts that you expect to suffer in a CGI movie - acting, plot, characters (think the later Star Wars films) are actually surprisingly strong. The performances are good, closer to the level of LOTR, than Attack of the Clones. Most surprising was how intelligently (relatively speaking- remember this *is* Hollywood) the plot was treated. The beginning of the film is based on the original Beowulf story and they cleverly justified this by having the story preserved in the songs (and recited in old English in one part) which is how it comes down to us. The ending which is new, while tacked on for the effects, was still, IMO, in keeping with the mood and atmosphere of the English classic.
And did I mention the CGI and 3D effects?
Pay the extra to see it in IMAX, the sound and 3D are worth it and make sure you sit far enough away from the screen - if the entire screen isn't in your field of view things can get blurry.