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Zemeckis, who began as a Spielberg protégé, has forged his own path as a bold director who, like George Lucas and James Cameron, is perpetually pushing the limits of the cinematic medium. Beowulf may very well represent "a" future of film, though certainly not "the" sole future. Very few people remain concerned that CGI will one day replace actors, but Zemeckis is pointing the way toward a day in which such usurpation could be possible … and believable.

NOTE: Beowulf is being released in both 2-D and 3-D formats. I have always found 3-D distracting and not worth the effort, but Beowulf changed all that for me. Watching the film in 3-D was a spellbinding and enthralling experience and, if possible, certainly the preferred option of viewing.

Talk About It

1. When Beowulf begins to battle with Grendel, the monster actually begins to shrink in size as a result. What might this represent, given the symbolism undergirding Grendel's existence?
2. How might 1 Peter 5:8 and James 1:14-15 illuminate our understanding of this film? Discuss the seductive power of temptation. How do you safeguard yourself against it?
3. Unferth quotes Numbers 14:18 to Beowulf after the dragon's initial attack, in which it destroys a single building—the church. What is the reason behind the dragon's actions, and what does Unferth mean by citing this verse?
4. What decision do you think Wiglaf makes in the final moments of the film and why?

The Family Corner

Beowulf is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence including disturbing images, some sexual material and nudity. The film pushes the limits of PG-13, and might have easily been rated R. This is by no means a children's cartoon. While some teens might do well to see its story about the devastating wages of sin, it will be too much for many parents, to say nothing of their children. The film is violent and gruesome, and permeated with realistic, if somewhat muted, male and female nudity. Use discretion.

Photos © Copyright Paramount Pictures

© Brandon Fibbs subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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