I first watched this movie because it was playing in 3-D IMAX. Having read the book and a few newer derivative works on the story, I expected a history lesson or hokey cartoon. I was wrong! The film is an entertaining, action-packed, sometimes visually stunning work with some adult level themes. Great voice work by an all-star cast, and the animation was fairly realistic. I noticed that some scenes were edited from the IMAX version on the DVD.

This film tripped me out. I really wish that someone had mentioned it was animated, first of all- second of all I just don’t get how an epic poem with a long tradition and glorious history can end up being turned into the same old crap that every other big-dollar special effects movie in Hollywood becomes. If you don’t take it too seriously, fine. Or if you are a 14-year old boy, maybe? For me, not so much.