This animated film, based on John Gardner's novel
Grendel, adapts the
Beowulf legend and attempts--unsuccessfully--to translate it into a children's film with a philosophical twist. Basically a fable about man's destruction of himself and all life around him, the film gets bogged down in
intellectual ramblings that will confuse children and bore adults. In addition, the musical numbers (an apparent concession to the kiddie trade) are overlong and uninspired, dragging the film's pace to a near-halt. The animation is lovely, however, colored in soft pastels.
Released:
1980
Rated:
NR
Length:
90 mins