By: Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong
It’s always a wonder as to what Bryan Singer will do next. Ever since he created the cult Phenomenon The Usual Suspects, he’s had the World riveted. Unlike the vocal majority, I enjoyed his chapter in the Superman Saga, while at once I am not as fond of his Television Production, House. Thus, with wonder intact and my opinion divided, I went into Jack The Giant Slayer with a relatively open mind.
Singer continues his relationship with Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures and together they have created their take on our most beloved Beanstalk Fairytale in Jack The Giant Slayer. Despite his American roots, he honours this English Yarn with a British Cast. The Film opens with Jack (Nicholas Hoult) and Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson) enjoying their younger years, hearing the written words: “Fee Fi Fo Fum. Ask not whence the thunder comes.”. Alas, the Cast of Characters does and absolute mayhem ensues. It comes from the skies where an ancient band of beasts clap their mammoth hands. Isabelle is caught in their grasp, and Jack sets out to save her.
Hoult plays Jack, filling these well-known britches well. Once a Child Actor, he appears here transitioned fully as a Man here, stealing the show from the likes of the celebrated likes of Ian McShane and Stanley Tucci. Coupled with British Beauty Tomlinson, the two tackle the tall with the aid of CGI Stalks. Ewan McGregor performs as her Protector (Elmont), and Ian McShane as her Father (King Brahmwell). Sadly, the latter pair is under-utilized, although escaping unscathed. Be that as it may, it is a pleasure to see Ewen Bremner (Wicke) getting his shine, as well as a chuckle inspiring cameo from Warwick Davis (Old Hamm).
My main criticism here is that this beloved Tale so rich in Mythos, but somehow gets lost beneath CGI and what could have been a better utilization of 3-D Technology. Delays in Post-Production for what has seemed like a Tinseltown eternity, still somehow amounted in a lackluster experience. If I were to compare Jack The Giant Slayer to other recent Fairy Tale adaptations, the truth is that it is off the mark of Snow White and the Huntsman, which impressed me when it comes to Silver Screen chimeras. Sadly, it travels a similar path to the likes of Beastly and Mirror, Mirror, which although not as impressive, also weren’t disgraced at the Box Office.
This Adventure however amounts to one which Kids will enjoy more than their Parents. All in all, the Movie sets the stage for what awaits Singer next, namely his return to the X-Men Franchise. His love for the fantastical remains evident, and hopefully it will never end. Jack did and I remain divided, but how you will feel about it remains a wonder. Warner Bros. releases Jack The Giant Slayer hits theatres March 1, 2013.
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