Beowulf 3D (12A)
The ancient, epic poem of heroes, demons, dragons and kings is brought to life in Robert Zemeckis’ animated film. Featuring the voice talents of Ray Winston (The Proposition), Anthony Hopkins (Hannibal), John Malkovich (Eragon), Angelina Jolie (Mr. & Mrs. Smith), Brendan Gleeson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) and Robin Wright Penn (Forest Gump).
Co-written by cult novelist Neil Gaiman (Sandman) and screenwriter Roger Avary (Silent Hill), this new rendition of the text from the first century AD is a surprising and pleasing venture. Not the most flawless CG graphics throughout (as you might have come to expect from the hype) but with moments of stunning realism and shots especially designed for the 3D audiences, this is an enjoyable adventure that should definitely be seen in the new 3D format.
Gone are the days of cardboard glasses with green and red lenses and only two or three 3D shots in the entire film. The new glasses are robust plastic. Ok, they make you look like Michael Cain and are bit uncomfortable if you already wear glasses, but with the entire film leaping out of the screen at you and moments that even the sturdiest of cinema goers will find hard not to flinch at, it’s a must see experience.
The film is rated 12A, which is very surprising given some of the content and subject matter. Even one of its stars is reputed to have commented on her surprise at the rating it received here. If you are easily offended or scenes of graphic violence are not your thing, then you might want to consider that this film would have received at least a 15 rating had it not been animated.
Prior to its release, I was somewhat dubious about this one. I wasn’t sure that an adult CG animated feature film would be able to go the distance. Especially after the disappointing Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, which was a marvel in terms of animation but failed to be engrossing.
However, it became obvious that this is an experiment into the world of 3D cinema and as such is a triumph. Animation is a much gentler way to introduce audiences to the concept, as the trailer for the up-coming live action film ‘Journey To The Centre Of The Earth’ proved at the beginning.
Although the regional accents among the characters are, in some cases, questionable, it’s a strong cast and even though some liberties have been taken with the plot, Beowulf is a fine re-telling of one of Britain’s oldest stories.
Not to be missed on the big screen.
4 out of 5
