IMAX

I've tasted the IMAX experience...and I like it.

I went to see the 3-D version of "Beowulf" at the UA IMAX cinema. In the infamous words of G.O.D: Delay No More! Go see this movie right away!

"Beowulf" is the perfect reason for movies of this kind to be made in 3-D IMAX. CGI frees film makers from the physical limitation of conventional techniques allowing for an unlimited freedom of camera angles, and the 3-D element adds texture to an already delicious combination of flavors. The epic monster battles with the intense action and swooping camera movements took full advantage of the medium.

And that's where "Beowulf" suceeds where other CGI movies have failed. Unlike some directors who use CGI as a end rather than a means (George Lucas...I'm looking in your direction), I love how Robert Zemekis used the technical aspects as tools to add to the story, rather than making the story all about the 3-D graphics. Like his work in "Forrest Gump," some of the best effects were the ones where you didn't even notice that an effect was taking place.

BTW, for those of you familiar with the original story; the plot pretty much swerves into artistic licence the moment Beowulf encounter's Grendal's mother. Personally, I liked the path the writers took because it added and extra layer of story/character development that was missing from the source material. Instead of just a boring Hero Fighting Monsters story, Beowulf becomes very human (flaws and all) in this version.

Maybe I'm gushing a little too much, so to be fair I should mention that this isn't a perfect movie. It's not Oscar material (nor was it trying to be) and frankly, the PG-13 rating hinders the violence and nudity to almost comical levels (when the nude Beowulf fights the Grendal, the way swords/ cups/arms and legs conveniently cover his goodies everytime is almost Mr. Bean / Austin Powers ludicrous). But in any case, this is simply a great example of how much fun an adventure movie can be when everything works out the way it's supposed to. In the annals of film making, I think this movie will stand as a cornerstone of adventure movies. I'm looking forward to what the next auteur will do with this medium.