Beowulf on DVD (2007)

Very Missable

NickGill from Middlewich , 25/11/2007

Being a lover of fantasy films, I was excited at the prospect of this film. Putting such a brilliant story on the big screen should have been a treat for the eyes. I saw this film in 3D and to be honest I'm glad I did, it really was a treat for the eyes. However, if i had seen it in 2D I think I would have walked out. The makers of this film spent 2yrs creating a film to look spectacular in 3D but forgot all about making an enjoyable film. The story telling capabilities of this film were poor and the soundtrack was so unconvincing that it may as well not have been there. In short, I was bored. There were scenes added just for the sake of the 3D effects, they had no link in the movie. If anything, the 3D effects looked best when they weren't forced. In the final scene with the dragon fight.....and the stupidly undersized dragon heart.....the 3D effects worked well, they weren't forced....just added. To top it all off, the new 3D specs are incredibly uncomfortable, they have no bridge so they don't sit on your nose properly. If you want my advice, I wouldn't bother seeing this film and if you do definitely see it in 3D, possibly it's only saving grace. To sum up, the best thing I got from the film was the head ache from the awkward 3D specs.

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Sick beyond belief

Sam4chat from Spalding [Highly rated reviewer] , 13/03/2008

This film should definately not be a 12!

It was way too gory and violent. From the very first scene it was just disgusting. I hated every moment of it and only stayed to watch it because we had paid to watch it at the cinema.

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Beowulf: Is this what the hype was about

Emperor [Highly rated reviewer] , 21/11/2007

Beowulf to me was a highly anticipated movie. I did not realise it was primarily a 3D movie, but it did not affect my viewing. I am glad I did not rush to a iMax theatre to see this though. The film started out really atmospheric and promising, the mead hall scene, although only in 2D, was enhanced by the high definition screens at the Vue and I felt as though I was there. Graphically at this early point in the movie I found myself transported back in time to the time of Beowulf. Unfortunately this was not maintained. The graphics devolved into something I am very familiar with in the form of the total war engine. The capital of Beowulf's kingdom was totally out of place with the 6th Century AD, with its round fairytale like towers and walls. Round towers were not used until the 12th and 13th Centuries! But taken this aside and looking at it as just a film it still was insufficient. The plot grew old very quick, I got the message of the film very quick but it just seemed too drawn out. The last 40 minutes just seemed to cover the life of a bitter and regretful monarch and did nothing to develop the characters. All character development occured in first half an hour, and even that was insufficient in my opinion. I was left confused as to the background of these characters. It does seem as though the 2D characters of ancient heroic myths really don't translate well into modern films, unless serious alterations to the original myth are done.

The level of violence and bloodshed was a bit excessive for a 12A rating, I personally (and I watch some fairly graphic films) thought this rating was inappropriate. In hindsight I would watch this film if it was on the tele as it was a good film which enabled me to just turn of a few braincells. But I would probably change the channel after Beowulf's fall as one can see the rhythmic pattern of history repeating himself. The story of Beowulf by the end of the film can be seen as a mirror of Brothgar's story (which one may determine from references at the beginning of the film). On this it has some interesting things to say, shame it does not deliver, here a little more embellishment was required to deepen the characters and therefore enhance the viewing experience.

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GO LARGE WIF IT

Joemugg , 14/11/2007

SAW THIS IN 3-D AND CAN ONLY SAY ITS AWESOME TO LOOK AT - BIT GORY FOR THE YOUNG UN'S THOUGH BUT A VISUAL EXPERIENCE NOT TO BE MISSED, ONLY 2 CRITICISMS RAY WINSTONE WAS JUSTA BIT TOO LONDON FOR ME AND ALTHOUGH THE ANIMATION WAS SUPERB THROUGHOUT THEY STILL CANT DO HORSES PROPERLY - A COUPLE OF MINOR FLAWS THAT DO LITTLE TO SPOIL AN EXCELLENT MOVIE - GO SEE IT ESPECIALLY IN 3-D IF U CAN

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Be sure you know what you are renting

MarkR from Redhill [Highly rated reviewer] , 28/03/2008

You can see from the reviews that opinion is very mixed regarding this film. First off, be aware that it is a computer generated film so occasionally it's a bit plastic in appearance (although generally it's done quite well).

Secondly be aware that it is an adult fantasy so plenty of action, violence and even a bit sex.

Beyond that the film delivers exactly what it claims to be - a high octain adventure movie. Of course it bears no resemblence to the 'real' story. Neither is the script great. However it is a reasonable fantasy thriller, some of the imagery is quite stunning and the story is a romp.

If you like that sort of thing it's fine. If it's not your genre don't experiment with this one.

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Beowolf

LindaQ from Olney , 16/07/2008

Didn't enjoy this very much in fact it sent me to sleep

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