Beowulf 3D (2007)

In the 1950's, when television drew millions of viewers away from the cinema, the film industry responded by trying to make going to the movies a unique experience and introduced 3D to the mass public.

Now, with movie theaters competing with HDTV, the internet and a distracted customer base, 3D is making a comeback. 3D has advanced quite a bit by now... first you no longer need those red and blue glasses. And with digital projection, your eyes no longer get tired from the flicker of dual projectors. I've always been a huge fan of 3D. I would love to direct a 3D film... that would be very cool.

Beowulf

Many new movies are planned for 3D release, including this year's Beowulf. And, thankfully, it looks like 3D has come into its own.

The story of Beowulf follows the title character, played by Ray Winstone. Beowulf is known worldwide for his heroic exploits, and he arrives and attempts to kill a local demon (Crispin Glover) that would free a king (Anthony Hopkins) of a devastating curse. During the journey, Beowulf is tempted by a water demon (Angelina Jolie), enticed by the queen (Robin Wright Penn) and harassed by a knight (John Malkovich).

Sticky Demon

The film itself is PG-13 and deserves the rating. The violence is, though animated, quite graphic at times. The disturbing looking demon looks like a malformed burn victim... icky and sticky. The water demon (Jolie) transforms into a almost-nude form that leaves little to the imagination. This is not a kids movie.

Beowulf is very effective in its storytelling. The 3D is top notch and really immerses you in this historic world. A battle with a dragon at a critical point in the film is thrilling and exhilarating as everything moves by you as if you were really there.

Jolie as the Water Demon

Jolie's character is the perfect symbolism of sin... beautiful, enticing and seductive at first, but the price you pay is heavy and potentially fatal if you fall prey to her lies. The personal flaws of Beowulf (pride and vanity) are his weakness and could be his undoing if he does not rise above them.

Morally, the film has a lot of good examples to show. Visually, the film is both amazing and graphic to watch. For me personally, it was a little too "ikcy"... blood, slit open skin, oozing open wounds, a freakishly disturbing demon... not for my palette, but that doesn't mean its not effective.

So, check out the future of 3D. Beowulf is a memorable theater experience. And get prepared for future 3d films. Hollywood has a lot of them in the works.

One of the things theaters have been talking about is offering sporting events in 3D. That would be cool. Can't wait to see what they come up with next.