Beowulf

Beowulf is a tale of heroes, and the fate of all human heroes, real or imaginary. This movie brings to light a marvelous story for a modern audience who would be, for the most part, unfamiliar with the tale, largely drawn (with a few major plot variations) from the Old English epic poem, Beowolf, written around 1010. I read the Old English version in my first year of college .... where was the movie when I needed it?

The first thing to mention - it's animated, using "digitally enhanced live action". (I'll let you look that up here). I thought this was a strange choice, but given the amount of CG that had to be done anyway, it probably made sense to make it completely CG. However, I must say, I had to think about whether it was a mixture of CG and real actors a couple of times early in the piece, because the rendering of CG people is getting so good these days.

To me, the moral of the tale all boils down to "sons must pay for the sins of their fathers" (a few other well known homilies would also fit), but that simple summary should not detract you from enjoying this film as a great adventure in the days of demons and dragons, on the verge of the new Christian era (in what is now Sweden). There's never a dull moment, and I was swept up by this rousing movie.

It is also showing in 3D at IMAX theaters, which may add another element of enjoyment for those who like their sword points up close and personal.