Is Beowulf like 300, Here is My Sneak Preview

In what is probably the best cinematic reproduction of the epic english heroic poem. Beowulf is an excellent movie. Capitalizing on 300's success this movie seeks to highlight an English struggle. They really tried to take a page out of 300 by keeping all the characters very much like their literary beginnings and scantily clad. Beowulf tells the story of the kingdom of King Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins) which is currently being terrorized by a monster named Grendel (Crispin Glover). Help comes in the form of mighty Beowulf (Ray Winstone), who arrives with an army of 14 men and Wiglaf (Brendan Gleeson) his side-kick of sorts. It becomes his job to slay the monster, Grendel. However, he must also despatch Grendel's mother (Angelina Jolie). Beowulf and his plan is opposed by the noble Unferth (John Malkovich) who is also after the King's wife and the reigns of power. Beowulf leaves on a quest to kill the monster. Getting rid of the first creature was fairly easy but dealing with his mother, who starts killing in revenge of her Son's death, is quite another matter.

The acting is superb and the entire movie is shot fairly dark much like 300. The special effects and the color is pretty spectacular. They did however, keep the costumes, which were amazing, and the quick telling of the story will appeal to same people that went and saw 300.

But that is where the similarities end. Beowulf, the original peom, was written in middle english and the writers tried hard to keep that quality but failed miserably. I'm not sure if it was the writing or the failed delivery as the actor's tried to talk around the jaded dialogue in its vain attempt to imitate middle english. Keep in mind also that the poem is 3181 lines of epic poetry and this movie is only 115 minutes. Also like 300, they didn't really devote enough time to this movie it seemed hurried to me. Also, those who are into historical accuracy will be disappointed; so leave your history book at home. I was also disappointed that somewhere in between the parchment and the screen they lost the valour and sacrifice of Beowulf. It was unusual for people to leave home around the early part of the last millenia and they really didn't capitalize on that.

Overall, I really enjoyed this movie which opens Today everywhere.