Robert Zemeckis’ consecutive motion capture animation film (the first being The Polar Express) is an adaptation of Old English poem Beowulf, and it is a rather violent and raunchy romp indeed.

The film begins in Denmark AD 507, where the mighty yet elderly King Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins) places a large bounty on the head of the monstrous Grendel (Crispin Glover), who previously laid waste to a number of the Kings people. Answering the call is the fearless monster slyer Beowulf (Ray Winstone).    

Taking its cue from Zack Synder’s 300, Zemeckis has created a visually extravagant, mythology themed action adventure of big boasting heroes and monstrous villains, with plenty of violence and T&A to appease teenage boys everywhere.

The performances on hand are solid. Anthony Hopkins is always fun to watch (or listen to in this case), as is John Malkovich, and Crispin Glover is divinely delirious as the abominable Grendel. Ray Winstone (who although hammy at times) and Brendan Gleeson make a great tandem as Beowulf and his second in command Wiglaf, while Angelina Jolie puts her sex appeal to good use as Grendel’s mother, a temptress who is equally deadly and seductive.  

This version of Beowulf no doubt had the most potential,l due to the unlimited visual direction that can be achieved with this form of animation. It is a powerful tool which Zemeckis takes advantage of, especially in regards to the image of his actors (Ray Winstone did not have to do any sit ups to gain Beowulf’s physique).

Yet while the animation is good, viewers will not be able to shake the video game vibe it exudes in every frame. It just does not feel real, hence it does not engross as it should. The films synthetic coating comes off as less than human, and it is so void of emotion that nodding off during dialogue heavy scenes is a common occurrence

Beowulf is pretty to look at, but lacks soul. Perhaps it is time for Zemeckis to return to the land of the living.