Beowulf in 3D!

I was lucky enough, earlier this week, to get into a free preview showing of the new CGI movie Beowulf.

I confess to only a passing knowledge of the epic saga but even so, as as a fan of all things fantasy, I was intrigued so went along.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the movie was in 3D! The last time I saw a movie in 3D was Tron or Jaws, and let's face it, since the 80's, it's not exactly a format that's particularly in vogue.

Times have changed in the 3D forum, though, it seems as in place of the cardboard glasses replete with red and blue lens (worn over conventional glasses, it's not a good look) was a new 'REALD' pair akin to something to cheap sunglasses than retro 3D specs. My intrigue increased.

So, the film. The CG was incredible; very, very life like, if slightly redolent of something at the highest end of the Xbox or PS3 video game market. The 3D was simply wonderful (a novelty, I daresay, but an engrossing one at that). What I liked about it was the fact that the 3D element was prevalent throughout with wonderful multi-layered backgrounds and scenes, together with the obligatory 'spear coming out of the screen-type' scenes. Dust storms, fire, barren forests and ocean waves washed over me as I was gripped to my seat.

The story was enjoyable, too. Abridged for sure, and Grendal itself looked a little odd (and not in a good way) but breathtaking, too.

Let's be fair here, Beowulf isn't high-art but it's fine entertainment none-the-less (and worthy of a DVD purchase, I might add - let's hope there's some kind of 3D option...). The fights are exciting (look out for the awesome dragon towards the end), the narrative occasionally poignant and the performances strong, too (even Ray Winstone's monosyllabic Beowulf).

Of course, the fact that it was free was just a real bonus, though I can say that I would've paid to watch this movie. Try and get to a 3D showing if you can, as it makes the experience all that more enjoyable (oh, and I'm not just referring to the scenes with Angelina Jolie as Grendal's temptress mother here, either...).

With a fine score to boot (one for my writing archives, perhaps), Beowulf is a great way to spend just under two hours and should appear to fans of the genre and popcorn crunchers in general.