Movie Review: Jack the Giant Slayer

Movie: Jack the Giant Slayer
Genre: Fantasy
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: Two thumbs up!

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. A perfect mix of romance, adventure, fairy-telling and quirky-ness. It reminded me somewhat of The Princess Bride in a way. There's a farm boy, and a princess and a really wicked adviser to the king with his over-the-top silly side kick, and of course there's some giants (The Princess Bride only has one!) and.... a really cool bean stalk (instead of the Fire Swamp I guess!)

The story is a fun take on Jack and the beanstalk, as you probably know. There's a cool back story to the giant lore told through a fairy tale that's read early on to both our characters, Jack and the princess. They (the giants) have been banned to the sky forever! But then, one day, when Jack is trying to sel his horse and cart and ends up with beans instead, which then, one accidentally grows, which suddenly transports the princess to the sky (Why is the princess is by the beanstalk? You'll have to watch the movie!) and she is lost up there!

Now, of course, she must be rescued!

Meanwhile there's the adviser dude who has his own agenda, because he has access to a magic crown which will cause the giants to fall down and worship him. How can he use this to his advantage? Yes, it's not good.

Ah, such a fun movie! I loved it. Ewan is awesome as the dashing king's guard dude, and Nicholas Hoult makes a most perfect Jack! And the giants are pulled off with some really cool special effects, complete with a sweet nod to Arnold Schwarzenegger  Many inside jokes I probably didn't get.

And the end? With the crown? Just made me giggle! Such a fun twist!

Bottom line: If you are in the mood for a simple, fun adventure with a bit of quirky-ness, don't miss this one.

Here's the trailer if you  haven't seen it:




Oh, now some observation on recent previews:

• first of all, I love watching the previews!
• does it seem like Morgan Freeman is in every movie these days?
• I must admit, that new Tom Cruise movie (Oblivion) looks so very deliciously dystopian!
• The music for the new Superman preview (here's a link to the first bit, and the second bit which I'm hoping is the true soundtrack) gives me huge chills! (Still not sure about a new Superman... again. Christopher Reeve can NOT be replaced!)
• Can't wait for City of Bones!
• A new Iron Man? Awesome!
• The new Star Trek movie? With Benedict Cumberbatch as the bad dude? Ahhh!!!!
• So many sweet movies to look forward to! It's time. It seems like we've had a dearth lately.

What movies have you seen and loved lately? Which new ones are you especially looking forward to?