Jack the Giant Slayer

Cast of Characters:
Jack - Nicholas Hoult
Princess Isabelle - Eleanor Tomlinson
Lord Roderick - Stanley Tucci
King Brahmwell - Ian McShane
Fallon - voiced by Bill Nighy
Elmont - Ewan McGregor

Director - Bryan Singer
Screenplay - Darren Lemke, Christopher McQuarrie, & Dan Studney
Rated PG-13 for intense scenes of fantasy action violence, some frightening images and brief language

      “Jack and the Giant Beanstalk” is one of the most beloved fairytale classics of all-time, ranking right up at the top some of the greatest such as “Cinderella”, “Little Red Riding Hood”, and “Hansel and Gretel”. Assuming most - or just some - kids are able to put their iPhones down for just a minute or so to read a book every once and a while, they’re familiar with the story of Jack facing the dreaded giant known for quoting the infamously memorable line, “Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman!” Now with Jack the Giant Slayer, the fairytale comes alive on the big screen, but with a slight twist.

      The film opens in the Kingdom of Cloister. Two children from two different economic classes, Jack a young farm boy and Princess Isabelle, are each being told a story on the legend of King Erik the Great. Legend has it that King Erik once defeated a race of invading giants and then had them banished to a land somewhere in the sky between heaven and earth. It was only by way of a magical crown, made of the same stone that composes the giants' hearts, that King Erik was able to keep the giants at bay.

      Ten years go by and Jack (Nicholas Hoult) is trying to sell his horse in order to continue supporting his uncle’s farm. While in town he notices Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson) and is immediately smitten by her after having to defend her honor from a group of thugs. He then is greeted by a monk who offers him a few “magic” beans he had stolen - a crime unbeknownst to Jack - in exchange for the horse. Jack agrees to the deal. Back at home, Jack’s uncle is rightfully upset with Jack for making such a foolish deal and tosses the beans on the floor. 

      Meanwhile, at the castle, Princess Isabelle is going through her own family ordeal when her father, King Brahmwell (Ian McShane) arranges for her to marry his rather shady adviser, Lord Roderick (Stanley Tucci). Upset at the news, Isabelle runs away from home and unwittingly seeks shelter from a storm at Jack’s house. While inside from the rain, one of the beans happens to take root, turning into a massive beanstalk. Jack escapes from his home, but unfortunately is unable to rescue the princess as the beanstalk takes her and Jack’s home up into the sky.

      Wanting to rescue his daughter, King Brahmwell sends an army along with Jack, Elmont (Ewan McGregor), the leader of the king’s elite guard, and Lord Roderick up the beanstalk to save Isabelle. Little do they know, though, that a fearsome race of giants, led by the two headed Fallon (voiced by Bill Nighy), await them all, seeking revenge back on earth against the race of men for what King Erik has done to them.

      What a surprisingly entertaining film this was. I've said before on this blog that you never judge a film by its trailer, and one of the great joys of watching movies is that every now and then you're surprised by how good a film really is. Obviously, this film strays a bit from the traditional fairytale, but director Bryan Singer does an excellent job creating an edge of your seat atmosphere, particularly when Jack and Elmont first meet one of the giants. The CGI work on the giants is first rate and there are some amazing visuals throughout, especially once we see around the land of the giants. Nicholas Hoult - following his entertaining performance earlier this year in the terrific Warm Bodies - delivers another solid performance. Eleanor Tomlinson has a nice screen presence and both her and Nicholas create some likeable chemistry together. Stanley Tucci seems to be having a ball, hamming it up in a nice villainous role. Bill Nighy is perfectly cast as the leader of the giants and delivers some solid voice-over work, and Ewan McGregor is particularly great as the noble Elmont. I also credit writers Darren Lemke, Dan Studney, and Academy Award winner Christopher McQuarrie (re-teaming with Bryan Singer, both from The Usual Suspects) for not bogging the script down with too much of a backstory, or writing in the obligatory "can't stand the sight of you, so naturally we'll fall in love by the film's climax" story arc between the love interests. The goal of a movie like this is to be entertaining, adventurous, and thrilling and both director Bryan Singer and his team of writers succeed.

      Is this film predictable? Of course it is, but we generally have an idea beforehand how the movie's gonna turn out anyway. Plus, predictability within a film generally gets a slide if the film can still prove to be highly entertaining, and this movie proves to be just that. With solid performances, terrific visuals, and some genuinely thrilling moments, this - along with Oz the Great and Powerful - is and yet another great film the entire family can enjoy. I give Jack the Giant Slayer an A- (★★★½).

REVIEWS COMING LATER NEXT WEEK...

Benjamin's Stash: Video Pick of the Week

Top 50 Movie Villains of All-Time: Part IV

The Call

The Croods

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

Spring Breakers