Beowulf

Remember this story from middle school? I was intrigued by it but I didnt understand it back then. Well apparently the writers of this animated feature didn't get the poem either, but they where able to close the gaps in the story and made a very good animated feature.

The Story...It reminds me of a man's struggle with sin and the curse of the flesh plaguing men from the time of Adam. A hero comes to vanquish evil, and is successful for a time but a greater evil attacks from a different angle, not in gross violence but it wants to make a deal. All power is at the hero's disposal but at great cost to his spirit. When the day for reckoning comes, those close to the hero witness the agreement for what it really is and are devastated by the results of his bargain.

The Technology...This animated feature used real actors for the movements on the screen. The real movements were shot in an infrared studio and the actors wore these suits with dots on them, kind of like those EA sports commercials when they simulate the athletes' slam dunks and signature moves for a video game. Really cool.

Overall I liked the storyline the best. The animation was the best I have ever seen but it was still animation and would have loved to see this with real actors. There are some good quotes and scenes dealing with Christian themes like sin, temptation, and thirst for glory. Very usable in my ministry with men. I liked it but did not love it.

Rating *** out of 5 stars Parental Advisory: one seductive scene, no nudity but close enough to be warned about.