For
something that could have easily been pointlessly dark version of a
classic fairy tale, or a 'Lord of the Rings' ripoff (which it kinda
is a bit, but oh well) 'Jack the Giant Slayer' was a fairly
successful, if cheesy and uninspiring, take.
The
tone was good, and balanced lightness and wit with the more serious
scenes well. The story is simple, as we follow a classic farm boy
hero type and learn about our surroundings with him. Jack wasn't
turned into a super hero, thankfully (I was worried he'd end up doing
flips from one giant to another, stabbing them in the ears and shit -
kind of a 'God of War' deal). He often takes a back seat to other
characters who share the heavy lifting (like Ewan McGregor, who's
giving a questionable performance here).
The
last forty minutes were pointless though. I'd have cut the big battle
scene and had it end where the protagonists are escaping giant
country. Then maybe have the lead giant discover the beans as a
little teaser scene for a possible second movie. The fight at the end
felt needlessly 'Lord of the Rings-ey', but more colourful, and the
contrasting themes began to fall apart here.
Other
than that though it was a fair movie with a likeable cast and an
entertaining story.
Jack the Giant Slayer: 42.8