This is the age old Scandinavian A.D. 700 Norsemen tale based on the old English epic poem.  The film begins with the monster Grendel (Crispin Glover) attacking the Danish mead hall called Heorot and its merry-makers.  The hero warrior Beowulf (Ray Winstone) arrives from the sea and saves the village battling Grendel and later his mother (Angelina Jolie).  The latest version of BEOWULF is all action, done with latest 3D and CGI effects, creating quite the feast for the eyes. 

Director Zemeckis (BACK TO THE FUTURE, POLAR EXPRESS) keeps the action coming fast and furious.  Body parts and objects are often sent flying out at the audience – typical of 3D films.  The best thing about the new 3D effects is the surprise of objects that appear to come from behind you.  Still like all 3D films – old and new technology alike – the novelty wears off after a while.  The eye gets familiar with the assimilated 3D, and the effect is reduced.  Wearing the glasses for more than 2 hours create a bit of a headache as well.  But the first half hour or so is amazing.  At least 3D films cannot be downloaded with their full effects.

BEOWULF contains the best deep resounding voices of Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, John Malkovich and Brendan Gleeson.  The figures are computer generated from the actors’ actual looks.  Even then, the nudity (Angelina Jolie’s body for example) does not really cut it – if that is what you are looking for. 

BEOWULF ultimately succeeds as a storylined video game.  No real emotions are attached to the movie.  Though more violent than the other Zemeckis films, BEOWULF will be more accessible to the young because of its animated feel.