I can't remember a single movie that exceeded my expectations quite like Beowulf. Going in I was prepared to walk away with little reaction. The big controversy over this movie is the "Polar Express"-style of production. I think people have been making too big a fuss over something so insignificant. Director Robert Zemeckis said it himself, "Without this style I never would be able to make this movie the way I envisioned it." What he means by that is answered simply by seeing the movie for yourself. The way Beowulf does what he does is all mythical in itself, so what better way to portray him than performing acts no man could accomplish. For instance, riding a dragon at full-speed into the ocean abyss. Other characters such as Grendel's mother (Angelina Jolie) could not be the half-monster, half-goddess that she is without CGI. It's just easier. And cheaper. So shut up and enjoy what really makes the movie great. The execution. There are so many facets of this movie that made it so great in my eyes. Allow me to share.

The Cast: What more can you ask for? First of all, Angelina Jolie needs no introduction. And neither does her naked body, which has gotten more screen time than Tom Cruise's sprinting ability. Ray Winstone is a relative unknown compared to the rest of this cast, but he (and his voice) were made to play Beowulf. His voice has power and emphasis similar to that of Gerard Butler in 300. Anthony Hopkins is a legend and acts the same way he always does with the I'm-on-a-sedative pace and witty humor. Crispin Glover seems to scream in every major movie he is in, which is why he was the perfect choice for Grendel. The majority of his screen time as the hideous beast is spent screaming at the top of his lungs. Of course, if it's a myth-based battle movie (barring 300), Brendan Gleeson MUST be in it. He plays Beowulf's right-hand man, Wiglaf. Gleeson's list of portrayals in this genre seems never-ending with roles in Braveheart, Gangs Of New York, Troy, Harry Potter, Beowulf, and in 2008 Churchill At War. But my favorite performance is John Malkovich's Unferth. His portrayal of a drunken smartass who foolishly thinks he's in line to be the next king only to be shoved aside for Beowulf is pinpoint. But the best part is that it's pretty much a revival of his best character of his entire career, Teddy KGB of Rounders. That old, soft Russian accent is back.

The Pace/Intensity: Some battle movies have a tendency to drag on, especially when they get into politics or romance. This movie was fueled by multiple romances, but never slowed down for any of them. How did it keep the pace? Beowulf was a highly intense character. He always spoke with vigor, as if he were speaking to an army. Somebody must have aced his dramatic reading assignments in college/acting school/whatever. I got into the story because he kept me in it. The director kept the movie rolling and never took a breather. It's packed with action.

The Look: CGI. CGI. CGI. It's a new world of cinema, people. Get used to it. It's going to slowly become a mainstay in the way movies are made. It's cheaper, it's easier, it allows more room for creativity, and it looks damn good. Some people will surely have their issues with it, but I loved it. The movement of the camera was flawless and also flowed brilliantly, which kept me in the movie.

The Plot: I never actually read the epic poem upon which the movie is based, but surely it must have been awesome. This plot was flat out amazing. A king who cheated on his wife with a monster disguised as a woman whose curse is lifted when Beowulf couldn't resist her himself. I mean, all this lady wants is a baby. Can someone just give this woman a baby!? Reminded me a bit of the cult classic, Species. The sexual tension between all the main characters was played well. It's too much to get into and I don't want to say too much, even though most people have probably already read the poem.

One Glaring Issue: Although I absolutely loved this movie, I have one problem with it. It's probably written in the poem that he fought Grendel butt naked, and he explains why in the film, but the way Zemeckis shot it was so weird. I honestly felt like I was watching one of those Austin Powers scenes where he is naked and random objects cover him up. Beowulf strips down and every time they show him some random object that covers his "subjective" area from the ground to his pelvis magically appears. It was actually pretty funny to me, but, at the same time annoying. Couldn't he have just worn some kind of loincloth? Something? Why go through the effort to make so many "natural" censors? Every time he would do a flip and his crotch would be in plain sight, a random shadow only around his frank and beans would appear. A bit too much for me. But I guess it's better than seeing his twig and berries the whole fight.

Wouldn't you love to be the guy who puts these babies on?