"Beowulf & Grendel"

Gerald Butler
Stellan Skarsgard
Sarah Polley
Ivgar Sigurdsson
Eddie Marsan
Tony Curran
Rory McCain
Ronan Vibert
Martin Delaney
Steinunn Olina
Spencer Wilding

R           103min           2005

“Beowulf & Grendel” is a tale of a Norse warrior’s battle with a murderous troll, based on the old English epic poem “Beowulf.”

This is a film that I found entertaining but it had many flaws. The dialogue is hard to understand and at some points in the movie incomprehensible. Gerard Butler shines as Beowulf. The cinematography is more outstanding than ‘Lord of the Rings.’

The dialogue in “Beowulf & Grendel” tried to sound ancient but modern in understanding. What it came off as for the most part was incomprehensible. The volume of their voices fluctuates and key scenes are cloaked in whispers that the mike didn’t pick up. The dialogue tried to hard and it came off as hollow, gibberish. Having to rewind several scenes in the film was annoying.

Gerard Butler shines in an other wise average film. Showcasing that he is the number one goto guy form epic warrior. Butler used this film as a precursor to the break out hit ‘300’. Even with the questionable dialogue Butler imbues Beowulf with the conflict of being torn with what is right and his duty.

Using Iceland as the backdrop of Denmark 500 A.D. is just breathe- taking. The rolling green hill and the torrential caves give the film a feel of being in the pass. If it weren’t for the dialogue you would believe that you were in Denmark 500 A.D.

If you can overlook the disconcerting dialogue “Beowulf & Grendel” is entertaining. Having tried to read the poem when I was younger, I found it to be to complicate to read. I found that the conflict being told, and faced by the character will resonate with viewer even now in today modern conflicts. Questioning what motivates one to kill and war should be asked soldiers, commanders and governments more often.

Although I found the dialogue disconcerting, the story being to made it bearable. Half the time you don’t know what’s going on but the scenery and Gerard Butler acting push you through it. The message of the story: Questioning one motivates? It is an important one that does get lost in the dialogue but shines through with the acting.

I give it 3/5 Gs.