Thursday, January 10, 2013

Beowulf & Grendel (2005)





Director: Sturla Gunnarsson

Writers:

Andrew Rai Berzins, Anonymous (epic poem "Beowulf")
 
 



The blood-soaked tale of a Norse warrior's battle against the great and murderous troll, Grendel. Heads will roll. Out of allegiance to the King Hrothgar, the much respected Lord of the Danes, Beowulf leads a troop of warriors across the sea to rid a village of the marauding monster. The monster, Grendel, is not a creature of mythic powers, but one of flesh and blood - immense flesh and raging blood, driven by a vengeance from being wronged, while Beowulf, a victorious soldier in his own right, has become increasingly troubled by the hero-myth rising up around his exploits. Beowulf's willingness to kill on behalf of Hrothgar wavers when it becomes clear that the King is more responsible for the troll's rampages than was first apparent. As a soldier, Beowulf is unaccustomed to hesitating. His relationship with the mesmerizing witch, Selma, creates deeper confusion. Swinging his sword at a great, stinking beast is no longer such a simple act. The story is set in barbarous Northern Europe where the reign of the many-gods is giving way to one - the southern invader, Christ. Beowulf is a man caught between sides in this great shift, his simple code transforming and falling apart before his eyes. Vengeance, loyalty and mercy powerfully entwine. A story of blood and beer and sweat, which strips away the mask of the hero-myth, leaving a raw and tangled tale.


I've never been a big fan of Beowulf adaptations.  This one is really no different for me.  This is not a bad movie, I just found it kind of boring.  The story has some changes for this adaptation, but overall it's the same.  Beowulf comes to save the day from Grendel....


There is really not a lot of action here.  There's a lot of possible action, but it never seems to come to fruition.  Grendel basically demolishes everyone and then demolishes himself.


The acting, of course, is great with the likes of butler and Skarsgard.  Also, it's nice to see "The Hound" himself in Rory McCannSarah Polley is fine, but shows little emotion through the film.  One thing that bugged me was that everyone seemed to have an accent except her.  I'm not sure why she was cast in this.


There is no nudity or even any sex appeal to be had in this movie.  Unless of course you are in love with Gerard Butler.


The scenery of Iceland is, of course beautiful and is really the star here.


The practical effects of Grendel and the Sea hag were nicely done, but not great.  However, it's always nice to see practical effects at all in this day and age.


Overall, this is a decent movie with little to complain about.  If you like the Beowulf tale and never tire of seeing it, then you might enjoy this.  Personally, I found it a bit boring with little to capture my attention


Verdict: Beowulf lovers only








 
The Cast
 
 

 

 
Sarah Polley ... Selma

 

 
Tony Curran ... Hondscioh

 

 
Rory McCann ... Breca

 
Ronan Vibert ... Thorkel

 
Eddie Marsan ... Father Brendan

 
Spencer Wilding ... Grendel's Father

 
Philip Whitchurch ... Fisherman

 
Martin Delaney ... Thorfinn
 
 

 
Mark Lewis ... King Hygelac

 
Hringur Ingvarsson ... Young Grendel

 

 
Gunnar Hansson ... Grimur

 
Gunnar Eyjólfsson ... Aeschere

 

 
Benedikt Clausen ... Selma's Child
 






 

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Dawn of the Dragonslayer (2011)



 
Directed by
Anne K. Black
Writing credits
Anne K. Black
Kynan Griffin
Justin Partridge

 
 



When Will's father is killed by a dragon, he embarks on an epic journey filled by vengeance that leads him to an ancestral home which he stays at and works for the tyrannical Sterling in order to learn how to slay the beast. While he is training, he befriends Sterling's daughter Kate, and Sterling becomes increasingly suspicious of and threatened by Will. He orders his men to kill him but Will escapes. Now Will must evade Sterling's men whilst trying to avenge his father.


I'll just start by saying that I really enjoyed this movie.  A lot of people will dismiss this as just another Syfy original, but it's not.  This movie is much higher quality than any of the Syfy movies.  There is real heart here, as well as nice cinematography and direction.  It is a love story at heart with a fantasy background.  That's not to say there is no action, because there is.


While the action and adventure is not the main portion of the movie, it is nicely interspaced within.  I suppose if I have one complaint about the movie, it would be that the fighting and swordplay seem a bit stiff.  This movie could have greatly benefited from a good fight choreographer.


The acting is very good and I have no complaints here.  I enjoyed Richard McWilliams as an actor and thought he was pretty good, although he needs to work a bit on his physical skills.  Someone who does not need to work on her physical skills is Nicola Posener, who is simply adorable.  Although, I would like to work on her physical skills... ahem..


The special effects here are very good for an independent, low budget film, and in my opinion, better than anything you normally see on Syfy.  The dragon itself is not big-budget Hollywood quality, but I think it was nicely done, especially when seen at a distance looming overhead.


Overall, this is a very nice and well made action/adventure/romance set in a fantasy world.  I look forward to the other movies of this ilk coming from this company.



Verdict: Recommended

The Cast
 
 
Richard McWilliams ... Will Shepherd

 
Nicola Posener ... Kate Sterling

 
Ian Cullen ... Baron Sterling

 
Maggie Daniels ... Lady Spriggs

 
Philip Brodie ... Rogan ap Cynan

 
Anthony Murphy ... Tom

 

 
Nick Devlin ... Sam

 
Adam Johnson ... Lance

 
Ciaran O'Grady ... Dirth

 
Lemuel Black ... Baron DeGuilbert