Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Bling bling.
(Warner Bros. Pictures)
Bryan Singer’s Jack the Giant Slayer is a competent adventure and nothing more. Borrowing extensively from Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films, this F/X-laden take on “Jack and the Beanstalk” does many things wrong but strings together enough winning elements to escape intact. For decent family entertainment, one could do a lot worse, though anyone expecting a great work of imagination should lower those lofty expectations now.
“We’re meant to be? Funny, I didn’t get that message.”
(Warner Bros. Pictures)
A significant expansion of the ultimate Jack Tale, the film stars the likable Nicholas Hoult as everyone’s favorite farmhand. Fascinated by the legend of giant conquerer Erik the Great since he was a boy, Jack dreams of brave quests beyond the kingdom of Cloister. The same goes for Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson), who wants anything but marriage to slimy royal adviser Roderick (Stanley Tucci).
In textbook Happily Ever After mode, Jack and Isabelle’s union is a safe bet, yet Singer and his three screenwriters (led by his Usual Suspects scribe Christopher McQuarrie) insist on making the connection crystal clear. Trotting out the old trick of simultaneous conversations on the same topic, the filmmakers jump between castle and cabin, providing a cute but awkward statement. Though the subject matter of these coincidental chats line up, the dialogue does not and results in multiple choppy moments. The bond overtly yet bumblingly established, a general lack of direction arises and unfortunately hangs around until the end credits.
Who stole Roderick’s conditioner?
(Warner Bros. Pictures)
To give Jack the Giant Slayer enough meat to warrant a two-hour, big-budget feature, a facile plot is lined up involving Roderick, Erik’s giant-controlling crown, and the magic beans necessary to form the link between human and giant worlds. While no indication is given as to when Roderick planned to enact his coup of King Brahmwell (Ian McShane), the moment is suddenly thrust upon him after Jack accidentally sends a stalk skyward with his cabin and the runaway Isabelle to boot. Joining a rescue team led by chief royal guard Elmont (a charismatic Ewan McGregor), Roderick cakewalks to Step One of his goal as he and giants reduce the rescue party’s population through off-screen or bloodless deaths, none of which carry a smidgen of danger. With Jack and Elmont left to save the princess, several promising heroics ensue, yet the gaps between expose greater creative issues.
“Beautiful day, eh Precious?”
(Warner Bros. Pictures)
Key to a successful fantasy of this scope are its special effects, and though the world as a whole is convincingly rendered, the creatures that populate it are less remarkable. The giants not only resemble the trolls from The Hobbit but possess the same affinity for bodily fluid and bodily function humor. Likewise too Tolkein for comfort is the runty, blithering second head of giant General Fallon (voiced by Bill Nighy), essentially Gollum on steroids. With castle-storming and armor-clad combat also factoring prominently, Jackson and his Weta Studio may as well be cited as honorary creative consultants. When the film also features an opening sequence that resembles an ad for an original Playstation game, however, perhaps it’s best Jackson focus on The Desolation of Smaug and not be disturbed.
The tune up to X-Men: Days of Future Past, Singer’s return to the mutant franchise, Jack the Giant Slayer finds the director capable of decent filmmaking despite a mess of a script and so-so computer wizardry. His latest effort is far from his best, but if he can survive Superman Returns, he can escape a crummy fairy tale adaptation without too much damage.
Grade: C-
Rated PG-13 for intense scenes of fantasy action violence, some frightening images and brief language.
Jack the Giant Slayer is currently playing at the Carolina Cinemas on Hendersonville Rd.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ6aeaGQKUE]
