Jack the Giant Slayer

Jack the Giant Slayer

Rated PG-13 and Released 3/1/13

Reviewed 3/5/13 at Celebration North Theatre in Grand Rapids, MI

with Gary, Mark and Karen

3 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

I like pleasant surprises and this one was easily that. An adaptation of the fairy tale, but not the sweet lighthearted family movie that the title should giveaway. Gary and I thought there was a hint of resemblance of Lord of the Rings but with battles and troll giants - not too much to offend the fans. Mark and Karen thought it was worth the extra $ for the 3D Imax and I agree. In this film, the effects of 3D were really noticeable.

As the story goes, Jack (Nicholas Hoult) trades away his horse in exchange for magic beans while at the kingdom's castle. Here, Jack encounters Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson) and they both feel the spark. Although the audience can certainly sleep through this juvenile romance - yawn yawn. Jack is warned by the monk who does the trade with him about the dangers of the beans and then there is of course the legends of the giants waiting up in the clouds. When Jack returns to his farm his uncle hits the roof about the beans and they have it out while the little legumes get tossed about in the fray. Hitting the water, the magical gateway is opened and the snaky looking beanstalk emerges climbing into the heavens with house, Jack, and Isabelle on it. Isabelle's father, the king (Ian McShane), is waiting at the bottom of the stalk with his army as Jack wakes up after falling off the stalk. No Isabelle. A rescue team (including the humorous Stanley Tucci, and I must say the ageless Ewan McGregor) is sent up to recover the king's daughter from whatever lies at the top. Jack wastes no time in volunteering for the feat, but the princess has nothing to do with that impulse, right? The group does encounter a land of grotesque giants that will either make you turn away or you will be glued to the screen at the spectacle. A seemingly innocent adventure is met with battles, traitors, some silly story inserts that are out of place, and a special crown that causes a few "lead" changes.

Don't bring the young ones thinking you are seeing a fairy tale, but I applaud this clever adventure. The story does fade however, just when you think it's time to brush the mountain of popcorn off your lap, grab your coat and shoot for the exit...they stick you with an extra ten minutes. So sit tight and enjoy the first 105 minutes.

QUIET Rating system: 3 1/2 Js

Quality: JJJ

Understood story:  JJJj

Interest: JJJJ

Entertainment:  JJJJ

Time:  JJJ