Fi Fi Fo Fum: Here Comes Another Fairytale Movie Starring An Englishman

At first glance Jack The Giant Slayer might seem like just another movie trying to cash in on the current trend of “edgy fairy tales” starring attractive 20 something actors. With its dark setting and dreaming leading man, Jack certainly fits description of the genre currently overpopulating our movie screens. What makes this film stand out from previous fare is that it’s actually pretty good.

Bucking recent tradition, this adaptation does little to tweak the original fairytale. There is no shocking twist here; in a bold move the writers’ have chosen to rely on simple, well executed storytelling to carry the film. The plot is set in motion within the first ten minutes, allowing the audience to get to know the characters through their actions as opposed to the standard 40 minutes of back story.

Director Bryan Singer is at his prime here, creating a balance between action and special effects that is seamless. The battle scenes are ambitious but not over the top. Relying on a combination of CGI and motion capture effects to bring the giants to life, it’s a major step up from the emotionless, characters recently seen in Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix.

As Jack, Nicholas Hoult juggles a budding romance with a princess while gallantly fighting in a war with the ancient giants that he accidentally rekindles. Unlike every other movie geared  towards young adults today, Jack The Giant Slayer does not rely on an excess of shirtless close ups to keep the audience's attention. Instead Nicholas Hoult gamely spends the entire film proving that he has what it takes to spearhead a major motion picture. Quickly establishing himself as one to watch, Hoult plays the Jack with an understated confidence that is refreshing and endearing to watch,

Having spent the last several years killing it in dramatic tearjerkers such as The Impossible and The Beginners, it’s refreshing to see Ewan McGregor in a lighter role. As Elmont the king’s highest guard, McGregor is enchanting. He is obviously enjoying the opportunity to play an Errol Flynnesque character and makes the most of his time on screen. Together, McGregor and Hoult make a charming duo,their onscreen relationship alone gives this movie its footing.

Adding Stanley Tucci into the mix as cliche evil doer, Roderick gives the film it's main conflict. As always Tucci brings his A-game, managing to playfully exaggerate his supporting role without overshadowing his costars. Bill Nighy plays General Fallon, leader of the giants with panache but sadly is not given much to work with plot wise.

In a story that centers around one young man's battle with gargantuan creatures, the giants in this movie are surprisingly reduced to a secondary plot. The giants' tale focuses more on their flatulence than their gruesome history with the humans at the bottom of the beanstalk. Despite this misstep, Jack The Giant Slayer manages to be an entertaining action film from beginning to end. A dramatic adaptation that does not shy away from its humorous moments, Jack never takes itself too seriously. Successfully blending drama and comedy while paying homage to traditional fairy tales, allows Brian Singer's film to thrive.

Grade: B+--Big on action and visual effects, the film is smart and fast paced. The actors are what make the film truly shine. It's the perfect middle-of-winter escape movie that offers an ending that is both surprising and cheeky. 

*Author's note: This film was screened at a preview showing prior to it's theatrical release.