"Beowulf": Full Review + Spoiler - 8.3 STARS
Check this movie out. Period. I managed to see "Beowulf" on Wednesday, November 14th and it is spectacular (Thank you again Paramount). The hype is real. I saw it at an IMAX theater and while it was not in true IMAX format, the Digital 3D effects and awesome sound have to be experienced to be believed. The spoiler is below and in white text so that those who want to see the movie can avoid having the experience, well, spoiled.
The movie (Beowulf cost $160 million to produce) starts with the Paramount mountain zooming into view all in 3D. This started me salivating at what was to come! The titling is extremely well done at the beginning of the movie, however the credits at the end - while still in 3D format - did not appear to be in 3D at all. I was disappointed with that. Perhaps this was by design, I don't know; all I know is that I was expecting more with the credits.
The movie uses some gimmicks as I expected, but it works. The best gimmicks are exposed in the spoiler below. I believe that in horror, some thrillers and at times in fantasy, 3D gimmicks can be used professionally and with purpose - not just to show off the new generation of the genre. There is still work to be done on characters hands and the motion of horses - it is not quite there yet. But really this is nitpicking - and hardly noticeable when suspending belief.
I am a huge fan of John Malkovich - ever since "Of Mice and Men". I was disappointed in the level of detail captured of his performance - I am used to seeing all the nuances in his face when dealing with scenes. I realize that this whole movie is about the experience and the telling of the oldest story the world has ever known with the newest technology available. However, I remain a fan of 3D live action. That is why I believe that when Avatar arrives in 2009 blending live action, performance capture (6 synthespians) with 3D that it will be several orders of magnitude better than Beowulf. You can clearly see who the actors are though. Anthony Hopkins did a stellar job giving a commanding voice and stability to the beginning of the film - required stuff as the merrymaking and tossing of objects at the 3D camera seemed a bit contrived.
Further, I believe that the 3D focus was somewhat off in the movie. While HARDLY noticeable at all, it seemed that especially in the longhouse EVERYTHING was IN FOCUS. Something was bothering me and until I made that realization I was wondering what it was. Outside, the objects in the rear do appear to focus out, but it did affect me somewhat with the interior shots. Perhaps it would have taken too much time to correct all those focus areas. As humans, we cannot focus on everything at the same time. Try holding a pen out in front of you and focus on it - the background blurs. I found too much to be in focus with Beowulf. Then again, I am pretty picky! AND I know James Cameron is addressing this problem for Avatar with very viable solutions.THAT BEING SAID - I was spellbound with being immersed in a fantasy world consisting of a village, caves and airborne battles and feeling that I was nearly there. It was undescribeable - you must experience it. By far the best sequence is toward the end of the movie and the aerial battles. Angelina Jolie is a strong presence in the movie and brings a modern era sense of realism to the movie. Characters age extremely well in the performance capture world and why not? The animators simply swap younger facial and hair textures for the older. When this technique is perfected with photo-realistic results in the future - the true power of story telling can be fully wielded.
** WARNING SPOILER BELOW **
To see spoiler, highlight the white text below with your cursor:
Beowulf is a strong and complex character and Zemeckis is starting to push the boundaries of what this genre of movie is - not quite animation - not quite live performance. He strips Beowulf nude in the movie though his groin is conveniently covered with "Austin Powers" coincidental movement in the foreground. However Grendel's mother is revealed fully naked with the 3D camera panning down from head to toe.
The king (Anthony Hopkins) and his subjects are exposed to Grendel's attacks (see photo) whenever they celebrate in the longhouse. The attacks are brutal and reveal gore in 3D never seen before. However it could have been worse - PG-13 ratings had a play here I am sure. Beowulf hears of the attacks and comes to slay their monster. Some banter about whether or not Beowulf's tales of heroics are true are joked about in the movie and indeed Beowulf himself is known for exaggeration. But to be clear - the battle scenes are spectacular and worth the price of admission and more. In one particular scene Beowulf lands on Grendels back while bashing his ear in - one of the weaknesses exposed by Beowulf during the battles. I must say, Zemeckis did a WONDERFUL job showing how intelligent Beowulf is in determining his foes weaknesses. You could see the intelligence and wisdom in battle in Beowulf's eyes - awesome stuff.
Yet the climax of bettle scenes is clearly toward the end of the movie when Beowulf battles is own son (fathered by Jolie). His son is not deformed as is Grendel, but is a huge, fire breathing dragon. In one scene, Beowulf slides down the body of the dragon with his knife embedded all in mid air and spinning in 3D! The scenes go on and on to their just conclusion: Beowulf has to cut off his arm as he did to Grendal to save his wife and mistress from certain fiery death.The best gimmick of the movie is when Beowulf is falling toward the castle's roof, he pretty near impales himself on the flag pole - all in glorious 3D! Be prepared to squirm!
The end is a thoughtful pause between Grendal's mother (Jolie) and the new king. You are left knowing that their battles will continue - sequels perhaps? I believe so. Everyone was given promotional comic books for the movie hinting at tons of storyline to use and advertising the Beowulf video game. Beowulf will be around for awhile. Perhaps brought back to life by Jolie's kiss at the end while Beowulf's boat burns? Who knows.
** WARNING SPOILER ABOVE **
To see spoiler, highlight the white text above with your cursor.
What I do know is that if Beowulf rakes in the cash (practically guaranteed) then the pressure will be on for sequels. The movie is expertly crafted and presented - and for those of you who are skeptical - no headaches. Momentary motion sickness perhaps (flying through the air), but all you have to do is close your eyes! The experience is awesome and the movie's hero is oh so believeable. Bravo Mr. Zemeckis. Bravo.
Click the image to the right for a more readable view:
