Adaptation of the Anglo-Saxon saga “Beowulf,” in which a soldier searches for a mythic monster. With Gerard Butler, Sarah Polley. Directed by Sturla Gunnarsson (1:42). R: violence, language, sexual themes. At the Quad.
Credit Icelandic director Sturla Gunnarsson for having an ambitious vision: He took a look at the eighth-century epic poem “Beowulf” and decided he could cut it down to size. And he has, for better and worse.
The story remains timeless: Setting out to destroy a legendary monster, a warrior (Beowulf) faces issues of faith and fortune, loyalty and vengeance.
Scottish actor Gerard Butler, as the morally torn hero, is decidedly up to his difficult task. More problematic are the monster, who resembles a WWE wrestler, and Sarah Polley, as a jarringly contemporary witch.