“I'm delighted that I got around to seeing the Beowulf movie the night it was released (last night). I think this is my favorite movie released this year (to date). I get the impression that the cast and crew enjoyed making this. (I definitely must acquire the video when it comes out!) This movie is fun, though it has a serious side.
Where to begin? Overall, it's faithful to the original epic -- except that Zemeckis and Co. came up with a curious plot twist that served to tie together the 3 main parts of the story. This plot twist turns on reinventing the character of Grendel's mother (played by Angelina Jolie). (I'm assuming you remember the bare-bones outline of the Beowulf epic.) In this version, instead of being a hideous hag, she's a beautiful seductress/enchantress who manages to ensnare 3 succesive kings of Denmark and is the mastermind behind the monsters. (One ongoing sight gag is her long braid, which looks very much like a tentacle.)
Ray Winstone (Beowulf) is an actor I haven't seen before, but he plays a very convincing Beowulf. This is one of those movies in which all the actors seem to enjoy their roles, and to play them whole-heartedly.
The real star is Anthony Hopkins in the role of King Hrothgar of Denmark. This is the most energetic role in which I've yet seen him (is he getting more energetic with age?) It is obvious that Hopkins knows very well just how silly he's being as Hrothgar, but his enthusiasm is contagious: this is a truly charming king. I'd say Hopkins is worth the price of admission by himself, but don't miss the rest of the movie!
The photography, the music (by Alan Silvestri: I hadn't heard of him before, but I'll definitely be looking for him now!), the integration of historical accuracy with wild fantasy, the first-class special effects, the dialogue, the humor -- enough! Go see it.
Warning: it moves so fast we hardly have time to breathe! (And it gets pretty violent in parts.) Basically an old-fashioned fantasy/adventure movie with some peculiar twists.
I'm still in process of reading the original epic; I'll be checking the acccuracy at some points, though, as I said, the movie seems basically faithful to the material, aside from the peculiar plot/character twist. (And, as I think I mentioned before, I'll be looking at Tolkien's famous commentary on the epic.)”
