Film Review: Jack the Giant Slayer (2013)
“Jack the Giant Slayer” combines the classic folktales of “Jack the Giant Killer” and “Jack and the Beanstalk” into a refreshed and action-packed story. The movie enriches the traditional narratives with legendary backstories, epic battles, star-crossed romance, impressive special effects, and a stellar cast, including Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Stanley Tucci, Ian McShane, Ewan McGregor, and Bill Nighy.
When a Princess Meets a Pauper but a Beanstalk Gets in the Way
The story centers around Jack (Nicholas Hoult), a poor orphaned farm boy living with his uncle and dreaming of adventure. Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson), on the other hand, is a motherless beauty stifled by her life of luxury and forced into an engagement with the much older and villainous Lord Roderick (Stanley Tucci). Both characters yearn for a different life.
As fate would have it, Jack and Isabelle cross paths on a rainy night. Jack, having just acquired some magic beans, manages to lose one in the rain, triggering an enormous beanstalk that whisks the princess away to the sky. Now, Jack must climb the beanstalk, rescue the princess, and face the giants along the way.
Legendary Beans & Stock Roles
The film expands on the backstory of the magic beans, weaving a tale of monks seeking power and an ancient king who used a magical crown to defeat giants. When these beans end up with Jack and an ancient king’s tomb is raided, it becomes evident that old legends hold the key to overcoming current threats.
“Jack the Giant Slayer” is visually stunning, if a bit unevenly edited. The characters often stick to their archetypal roles, but this fits with the folktale genre, where such roles are expected. The film offers just enough gruesome scenes, without major gore, to keep kids both excited and a bit scared in a fun way.
While some adults might find the film less engaging, its appeal to younger audiences makes it a solid family adventure.
Where to Watch: Available on DVD, Netflix, and digital platforms.
Content Note: The film is rated PG-13 for intense fantasy action violence, some scary images, and brief language. Giants do eat humans, though most of the violence is suggested rather than shown. However, there are occasional glimpses of headless bodies and bones, so it’s not ideal for easily frightened children.
Overall Rating: “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Romance Rating: “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.”
Have you seen “Jack the Giant Slayer”? Share your thoughts on this fantasy adventure!
