I’ll try to respond to each paragraph in order:1. The sword and his side quest to retrieve it doesn’t exist in the original source. It isn’t even preoperly explained why it is even needed to fulfill his vengeance to begin with. Seems quite unnecessary, and just put in there for the sake of more magical moments.
Necessity is a tricky thing in literature, right? We can always write our story in a manner that the X is not necessary (e.g., if we change things so our hero doesn't need to hop of out of the plane, we don't need to explain the parachute).
In terms of pure invention was it necessary? No, but then again nothing is really necessary in literature. Authors are gods and may create any world they please.
Was it necessary in terms of the source material? No. That stated, is it fitting to have such a weapon in such a tale? Is it genre appropriate? Absolutely.
Was it necessary in terms of Amleth proving his true love for Olga? No, but
it was a nice touch.
WARNING: "Yep, details." spoilers below
The sword limited (because of magical rules) his ability to fight when she was in danger, and so he exposed himself to mortal danger to save her.
The sword limited (because of magical rules) his ability to fight when she was in danger, and so he exposed himself to mortal danger to save her.
Here we learn that Amleth is not a mindless brute and that he is honorable in the chivalrous sense of self-sacrifice (and not just bone-crushing).
Was it necessary in terms of explaining how he got a weapon as a slave? No. When it is demonstrated that he can climb out of the roof, we could have had him just steal a weapon from the armory or pillage the first guard he murdered with his bare hands. However, the blade does help explain how he can take on so many people with seeming impunity (it levels him up as a character for the wrath/revenge where one man take on an entire encampment).
Did the inclusion of this weapon subject us to another witch with more instructions? Yes.
WARNING: "Gads! More spoilers!" spoilers below
We get a sort of Yorick scene with the skull of DeFoe's Jester and then we have to follow the Vixen's tail to the barrow and then have a sort of contest for the weapon.
We get a sort of Yorick scene with the skull of DeFoe's Jester and then we have to follow the Vixen's tail to the barrow and then have a sort of contest for the weapon.
Is that a feature or a bug? You decide.
In short, could it have been left out? Yes. I think it could have been left. Did it result in the end feeling a bit rushed? Yeah, I think so. It's a mixed bag. It adds a little, it takes away a little.
2. Rushed, yes that’s a better word for it.
There's a special alchemy to pacing. Editors should not be underestimated in this regard.
3.skipping to the Beaowulf comparison, I find such comparisons unnecessary. What May work in one film, May not in another and is judged on a case by case basis. In here, it doesn’t work for me in some cases.
If it did not work for you, then it didn't that much is inarguable.
4.*I have no issue with her appearance, but rather the placement. I think her appearance could have come at better time, and not so soon after plundering a village. It felt rushed.
I disagree. He just helped destroyed that village, troubling the waters of fate, the spirits that inhabit that place, the local gods, etc. The local principalities had a vested interest in Almleth's success (the joining of houses with Olga) and it was now time for him to be on his way. The pieces were in place. Olga is one of those pieces. It was time for his tear to be returned to him.
5. It was bizarre and unneeded. On the other hand, I do feel the ravens appearance were more warranted and handled better. Even the rescue. It felt right, while the insane dogs did not. I’m nitpicking, I guess, but it’s just how I felt.
Gotcha.
6. 300, Revenge of the Sith, what ever. It wasn’t filmed that great to me.
I thought it was fine. Different strokes.