When my wife suggested we watch Jack the Giant Slayer, I will admit I was a bit skeptical. Then I looked up the cast and said, this can’t be bad. Headlined by Nicholas Hoult, Ewan McGregor, Eleanor Tomlinson, and Stanley Tucci. The cast and story did not disappoint, even if the CGI had some questionable moments.
Most movies involving giants and bean stocks tend to mock the legend; this one tackles it head-on in a fun, adventurous way. There are epic battle sequences, massive giants, double-crosses, and romance.
Tucci has played some memorable roles in his fine career and doesn’t disappoint as the bad guy in this one. As the right hand to the king, he uses his connections and knowledge to become the king. His double-cross is pretty obvious from the get-go, although his death scene is so well deserved.
I really liked Hoult’s performance in this one. In some regards, he was like the perfect man for the job—young, handsome, and brave. Billed as a poor man, his preceding reputation means he would have never been good enough for Princess Isabelle (Tomlinson). Through a series of events, his courage shines through, and he wins her heart by chance. I thought they had instant chemistry and was on board with their budding romance.
I can assure you that this story is entertaining for those of you who don’t think this fantasy movie would be you. I’d even consider this one of the best films out there about the fable Jack and the Beanstock. Many comedies and fairy tales have tried to tackle the story but in a roundabout way. Jack the Giant Slayer digs deep into the story and gives it a modern feel.
CGI can only carry a story for so much, so thankfully, the rest of the actors pick up the slack and carry this one to the end. I enjoyed this film far more than I expected to and think that the audience probably would too. That’s just my humble opinion. 7/10
Ten Stars or Less 