Actors: Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Stanley Tucci, Ian McShane, Bill Nighy
Directors: Bryan Singer
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Bros Home Entertainment
Release Date: June 18, 2013
Run Time: 114 minutes
Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
When I first saw the trailer for “Jack the Giant Slayer”, I thought to myself “Come one now another big-budget fairy tale”. The film went one to become the biggest flop of the year so far costing nearly $200 million and only grossing $65 million in North America. I have to say though after watching it it wasn’t nearly as bad as it looked. If you look at it from the perspective of mindless fantasy action, it work for the most part. I would have preferred to see this film in 3D, since it would have popped more but the 2D version still worked. Overall, we get solid visual effects though surrounded by a weak campy story.
I have to admit, I am not a fan of Nicholas Hoult. Didn’t like him as Beast in “X-Men: First Class” and skipped “Warm Bodies” due to him. He does not strike me as an action hero in this film at all. On the other hand, I am a huge fan of Ewan McGregor but in my mind he is too good for this but does make the best out of it. Notable voiceover for the main giant, General Fallon is voiced by Bill Nighy and his smaller head is voiced by John Kassir aka The Cryptkepper in “Tales from the Crypt”. Stanley Tucci is the baddie and seems like he didn’t want to be there. Ewen Bremner couldn’t have died sooner (oops spoiler), hated him. Also keep an quick eye out for Warwick Davis in the beginning of the film.
Official Premise: Jack the Giant Slayer tells the story of an ancient war that is reignited when a young farmhand unwittingly opens a gateway between our world and a fearsome race of giants. Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing the young man, Jack, into the battle of his life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom, its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend—and gets the chance to become a legend himself.
Warner released this film with a Blu-ray/DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy Combo Pack. Since the film delivered some impressive CG work, the 1080p transfer is absolutely fantastic within its 2.4:1 aspect ratio. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. track works perfectly with the constant action. The special features are good but for a production this size, I expected more. “Become A Giant Slayer” is a eight-part behind-the-scenes look into the production including, “Know Your Enemy”, “Suiting Up”, “Attack Tactics”, “The Magic of a Beanstalk”, “How to Zip”, “Giants’ Kitchen”, “Saving the Princess” and “Defending Your Kingdom”. Lastly there is a deleted scene and gag reel included.