Jack the Giant Slayer (2013) – Review

Review: Jack the Giant Slayer is a fairytale adventure film that is not sure exactly who its audience is – children or young adults. The film is a somewhat new take on the classic story of Jack and the Beanstalk. Here, Jack is a farm boy who dreams of more. Jack sets off to town to sell his house and wagon for supplies to help his uncle manage the farm, but ends up returning with only bean, whereby he is berated by his uncle. Meanwhile, a young princess Isabelle also longs for more in her life. She runs away from her castle home. Caught in the rain, she takes shelter in a small farm house, running into Jack. His beans, not fully accounted for, get wet and a massive beanstalk grows into the heavens, taking the princess with it – though, Jack falls from the soaring house in the calamity. Awakening to find the King and his guard looking for the princess, Jack and a few of the King’s finest men scale the beanstalk to find Isabelle. However, they discover a land ruled by man-eating giants – giants that have longed to leave their kingdom to feed on the world of men. This is now a rescue mission.

I think growing up in the 1980s with films like The Princess Bride, Labyrinth, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, The Secret of NIMH, Time Bandits, The Witches (though, this did come out in 1990), Legend, The Dark Crystal, The NeverEnding Story, and the Disney animated features (among others – like George Lucas’s adventure trilogies: Star Wars and Indiana Jones) has preconditioned me to love adventure fantasy films (or at least have some sort of nostalgic reaction to them). Thus, Jack the Giant Slayer was something I actually wanted to see (despite my complete lack of trust in director Bryan Singer and the poor job that New Line Cinema did marketing the film). Watching the film, however, I noticed that it has a very uneven tone. It is not sure if it wants to be a kids’ movie (action, but with mild violence and nothing too scary and a silly sense of humor) or something for young adults (more intense action and violence, more mature relationships and sense of humor – to some extent). The film sorted wanted to be both, and thus did not really work for either. It is too violent and scary for kids, and tonally too geared towards kids for young adults. It seems like it wanted to be this generation’s The Princess Bride (although, lacking the charm and magic of that film) but also made for fans that grew up with The Princess Bride.

The film, originally titled Jack the Giant Killer, was initially intended to be R-rated, but then New Line Cinema decide to rework it for a broader audience (as is often the case with big budget films). The problem is that the tone just does not work now, as it still has elements of that initial R-rated film mashed together with more kid-friendly stuff. In some moments the film is silly with goofy characters and jokes (like Roderick’s – the film’s villain – sidekick Wicke or the main giant General Fallon having a second head that is only there for comical effect, as it speaks and acts in a goofy manner), while in other moments the film has characters being eaten, murdered, and engaged in violent situations – often these moments happen within the same scene. In an attempt to appeal to everyone, the film (generally speaking) appeals to no one.

However, getting back to my un-bashful love of adventure fantasy, there is still a lot to like in the film. And, Singer keeps the film moving forward with decent pacing. Singer also develops the lead characters well. Jack and Isabelle are easy to root for, because their story is relatable to the audience, or at least very familiar in its narrative language. The supporting characters fall mostly into genre archetypes, but that is fine for this sort of light entertainment. Singer’s action is also entertaining (just, probably not suitable for kids). Overall, I did enjoy the film – but its issues do limit it considerably.

In addition to its uneven tone, the film’s narrative structure felt a bit strange in terms of the villain’s arc. Roderick is presented as the film’s main antagonist in the first act. Isabelle is being forced to marry him, even though she does not love him (which is one of the reasons she runs away, if not the main one). And, he is presented as an overall bad guy (in sort of a kid’s movie way – he just looks like a bad guy). His plan is to use the magic beans and a magic crown to not only bring the giants down from their kingdom, but also rule over them – using them to take over the world. He is clearly the character to root against. Yet, once the narrative gets up to the world of the giants, the main giant General Fallon is presented as the actual main antagonist and Roderick is merely only a catalyst to introduce the giants. But if that was the case, Roderick should have done his business in the first act so the audience could invest sooner in the struggle between Jack and Fallon. As it is, this antagonistic relationship does not really come about until about halfway through the film (and by then, the audience does not really care anymore).

The film also feels inauthentic in the way it treats Jack’s relationship with Isabelle. It goes out of its way to express that a princess can never marry a commoner (which Jack is), yet none of the characters frown upon the blatant budding of a relationship between them – even her father the King. Sure, he is grateful that he rescued her, but his seeming indifference to the complete collapsing of the governing social convention regarding his daughter feels off. Though, at this point, the narrative is so rushed that there is not really time to address barriers to Jack and Isabelle’s relationship.

The narrative is paced well enough, as Singer again keeps things moving forward and the film never feels like it is dragging. But, the structure of the story is the films weakest attribute. It has an overly long first act and rushed second and third acts. The characters and their relationships are not used to their full dramatic potential as well. This ultimately leaves the film unfulfilling both narratively and from a character perspective. Plus, the tacky add-on that ends the film is also laughable.

Jack the Giant Slayer is fun and entertaining, especially for fans of adventure fantasy films. However, it is encumbered by a multitude of narrative issues, holding it back from being among the genre’s better films.

Technical, aesthetic & acting achievements: Bryan Singer has now made eight feature films – some loved like The Usual Suspects and X2 (though, I would argue both are vastly overrated), but most disappointing. He continually makes films that have great potential and are indeed great in moments, but never come together as wholes. His next project is X-Men: Days of Future Past. As someone that really liked X-Men: First Class, I hope he finally reaches his potential (assuming it is there at all).

Singer works again with his frequent collaborators composer (and editor) John Ottman and cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel on Jack the Giant Slayer. Ottman delivers a good score that fits the adventure fantasy genre well, while Sigel’s photography is also strong. However, it is production designer Gavin Bocquet’s sets that really bring the world together. The overall look of the film is very much rooted in the classic genre pieces of the past. However, the animation (the film uses motion capture to create the giants) feels a bit out of place at times – but not enough to hurt the overall experience.

The cast is also a strong component of the film – maybe even the best part as the performances are good, and feel aligned with the genre (despite the uneven tone). Warwick Davis, Ewen Bremner (who is pretty funny), and Eddie Marsan are great in small supporting roles. Bill Nighy, as he always seems to, elevates General Fallon with his measured delivery in his voice-only role.  Ewan McGregor is a lot of fun as Elmont – the best of the King’s guard. He somewhat steals the film with his enthusiastic energy. Newcomer Eleanor Tomlinson is also a bright spot. She certainly has screen presence as Isabelle. It might have been more interesting to just see her adventure sans Jack. Nicholas Hoult is good in the film, but the character does not play to his strengths as an actor – playing characters with charisma, wit, some narcissism, and mischievousness to them. Here, Jack is too simple and good (and thus not that interesting).

Summary & score: Jack the Giant Slayer has a lot of grave narrative problem, yet still manages to be fun and entertaining (but only superficially). 6/10

At the Movies – March 2013 – Part 2: Hollywood Films

Romance and Rom-Coms:

The Host (Andrew Niccol) – Sci-Fi Romance Thriller – Mar 29

Plot Summary: Melanie Stryder is one of the last remaining humans after parasitic aliens have taken command of the Earth. She meets Jared Howe (another human) and they form an intense romantic bond. However, Melanie is captured by the aliens (sacrificing herself to save Jared). But, unlike other human hosts, she forms a bond with the parasite and rebels against the aliens to help the humans (as her love for Jared is too strong). Filmmakers: Writer-director Andrew Niccol has a strong background in sci-fi, having made the 1990s genre classic Gattaca. However, his last film (also within the sci-fi genre) was the very disappointing In Time. He is working with composer Antonio Pinto (who also scored Lord of War for Niccol), cinematographer Roberto Schaefer (who mostly works with Marc Forster), and production designer Andy Nicholson (this is his first film as production designer, but he has a strong background in art design – and is doing the production designer for this year’s Gravity). Cast: Saoirse Ronan stars, with Diane Kruger, Max Irons, Jake Abel, William Hurt, Bokeem Woodbine, Boyd Holbrook, and Frances Fisher in support. Expectations: The Host is yet other potential franchise starter targeted at young women to replace Twilight – and this one also happens to be based on a new novel series by Stephenie Meyers. Based on what I have seen, it looks much better than Twilight and Saoirse Ronan is a fantastic young actress (see: Atonement or Hanna). Plus, Diane Kruger should make for a good villain. While I will probably not see this in theatres, I do look forward to renting it. The romance aspects will likely be overly dramatic (as that is the trend for things aimed at young women), but Niccol will hopefully bring the right mix of action and sci-fi tonal elements to the project as well. Trailer: Here.

Serious Films:

Dead Man Down (Niels Arden Oplev) – Crime Thriller – Mar 8

Plot Summary: Beatrice is assaulted in her home by a local New York City crime boss. She blackmails Victor, a contract killer, to find and kill the man who assaulted her, so that she can have her revenge. The twist is, Victor works for the man he is hired to kill. Filmmakers: Swedish director Niels Arden Oplev makes his Hollywood debut with this film after the breakout success of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. He is working again with composer Jacob Groth and production designer Niels Sejer. New to the team is cinematographer Paul Cameron (Total Recall). Cast: Also reuniting with Oplev is star Noomi Rapace. Colin Farrell also stars, while Terrence Howard, Dominic Cooper, Isabelle Huppert, and F. Murray Abraham (who is making a comeback with this, Homeland, Inside Llewyn Davis, and The Grand Budapest Hotel) feature in support. Expectations: Dead Man Down looks like a very entertaining crime thriller, which great action beats. Many filmgoers prefer Oplev’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to David Fincher’s American remake (though, I am not one of them), and thus this should give many fans their first taste of Oplev’s talent with a bigger budget. Many filmmakers do not make the transition to Hollywood very well putting out disappoint work, but this does look potentially quite good. Trailer: Here.

Spring Breakers (Harmony Korine) – Crime Drama – Mar 22

Plot Summary: Four college girls want to have a great Spring Break, but they have no money. They decide to rob a restaurant, and are subsequently caught. A local drug dealer, arms dealer, and aspiring rapper Alien bails them out with big plans for them. Filmmakers: Writer-director Harmony Korine has made a few indie films (probably best known among them is Gummo), but this is his first film to see a wide theatrical release. He is working with maverick producer Megan Ellison (who funded many of the best films of 2012), composers Cliff Martinez (Drive) and Skrillex, cinematographer Benoit Debie (The Runaways), and production designer Elliot Hostetter (A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III). Cast: The film stars James Franco, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson, Vansessa Hudgens, and Rachel Korine. Heather Morris and Gucci Mane feature in support. Expectations: Spring Breakers has played to mostly positive reviews and buzz during its 2012 festival tour. Personally I am of two minds about it. On one hand, it looks like an entertaining look at the dark side of back-alley contemporary culture, and I appreciate directors that have a unique style. But, on the other hand, it also looks like nothing more than an exercise in depravity, fueled by sort of a stereotyped idea of what contemporary party culture is and how young people tend to be drawn to it. It also looks highly stylized (in a music video-like way), which can often be to a film’s grave disadvantage in the hands of lesser filmmakers. I have a feeling that young people (which are probably its targeted audience) will generally like the film, while older filmgoers will not be as enthralled by the style and plot. Trailer: Here.

Action/Adventure:

Jack the Giant Slayer (Bryan Singer) – Adventure Fantasy – Mar 1

Plot Summary: The live-action telling of the classic tale with a twist – a young farmhand named Jack with magic beans discovers a kingdom in the clouds inhabited by giants. Only, this version is juiced up with big action set pieces. Filmmakers: This is director Bryan Singer’s first film since his disappointing Superman Returns and Valkyrie (and honestly, I think his best films X2 and The Usual Suspects are both vastly overrated). He is working with his frequent collaborators writer Christopher McQuarrie, composer John Ottman, and cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel. New to the team is production designer Gavin Bocquet (Stardust). Cast: The cast is fairly impressive with star Nicholas Hoult and a supporting group featuring Eleanor Tomlinson, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Eddie Marsan, Ewen Bremner, Ian McShane, Warwick Davis, and Bill Nighy. Expectations: Jack the Giant Slayer does look like an entertaining adventure fantasy film, but really it is hard to get my anticipation up too much because I do not fully trust Bryan Singer. For me, he has never made a great film. I do like the cast a lot though (Hoult from Skins, McShane from Deadwood and Kings, Nighy from Dead Man’s Chest , Davis from Life’s Too Short and Deathly Hallows Part 2, and McGregor and Bremner from Trainspotting). That said, I will probably still see this in theatres, because big movies should be seen on big screens. Trailer: Here. Review: Here.

Oz the Great and Powerful (Sam Raimi) – Adventure Fantasy – Mar 8

Plot Summary: A carnival magician named Oz sets off for an adventure that takes an unexpected turn when he is transported by a tornado to a fantasy land where he is thought to be the inhabitants’ savior from an evil witch. He must use his wits and skills as a magician to stay alive. Filmmakers: Director Sam Raimi has a mixed bag of a career to date. Spider-Man 2 is an incredibly well made masterpiece (and in my opinion the best comic book film still). The Evil Dead Trilogy is a cult classic (and a lot of fun). A Simple Plan is an overlooked gem. But, he also has his fair share of forgettable films. With Oz the Great and Powerful, he is making his first film truly aimed at a young audience (or at least that is the impression I get from the trailer). He is working with frequent collaborators composer Danny Elfman and cinematographer Peter Deming. Production designer Robert Stromberg joins the team via Disney to give it that Alice in Wonderland look (which is unfortunate). Cast: Raimi is also reteaming with his Spider-Man star (well Harry Osborn star) James Franco, who is in the lead. The supporting cast features Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Abigail Spencer, Michelle Williams, and Zach Braff. Bruce Campbell probably shows up for a cameo too (along with the 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88 and Three Stooges references). Expectations: I love Raimi’s best work. He has such a unique style and great understanding of storytelling – he just sometimes lets his pension for silliness to get out of hand. Oz the Great and Powerful both looks good and terrible to me. The Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland was awful, and a perfect example of visuals and style over substance to a reckless degree. Oz the Great and Powerful’s trailer looks and feels just like Alice in Wonderland, as if Disney wanted to just do the same thing again for a new 3D release – and that worries me. But, the character interactions are decent in the trailer, and Raimi has enough goodwill built up to get the benefit of the doubt. Trailer: Here. Review: Here.

Olympus Has Fallen (Antoine Fuqua) – Action Thriller – Mar 22

Plot Summary: Mike Banning was one of the best secret service agents protecting the President, but after a tragic accident he has since been disgraced. However, on one fateful day, he might be the President’s only hope after terrorists attack the White House. Trapped inside, Banning uses his skills and knowledge to try and save the President. Filmmakers: It has been awhile since director Antoine Fuqua made a name for himself with Training Day, as he has since had a disappointing series of films (though, most are entertaining, just not at the same level – though, I did enjoy King Arthur). Olympus Has Fallen does not really look like a step in the right direction, as much as merely more of the same from Fuqua. He is working with composer Trevor Morris (The Tudors), cinematographer Conrad W. Hall (Panic Room), and production designer Derek Hill (Hatfields & McCoys). Cast: The film stars Gerard Butler (who is also producing), and features Aaron Eckhart, Dylan McDermott, Rick Yune, Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett, Melissa Leo, Radha Mitchell, Robert Forster, and Ashley Judd in support. Expectations: Well, at least Olympus Has Fallen (also known as Die Hard in the White House) has Gerard Butler in action hero mode and not romantic comedy mode – though, at this stage, is Gerard Butler in any mode a good thing? 300 might be the last thing anyone actually liked him in and that was 2006 (he was decent in Coriolanus too). The supporting cast is a mixed bag as well. Basically, if you like Die Hard-esque movies then this is probably worth checking out, if not then it probably safe to assume this is just another throwaway action film (entertaining, sure, but nothing special). Also, as everything in Hollywood comes in twos, you can see White House Down in June too and compare. Trailer: Here.

G.I. Joe: Retaliation (Jon Chu) – Action – Mar 29

Summary: Cobra gets the drop on the Joes right off the bat, infiltrating the highest levels of government and declaring the Joes enemies of the State. Most are killed in the initial attack, leaving a few to band together and fight back. Filmmakers: Director Jon Chu does not initially seem like a great fit for the action franchise with a filmography that reads Step Up 2: The Streets, Step Up 3D and Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, but then remember that G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra was terrible, so what does it matter? Chu is not going to make it worse. He is working with a good action oriented group with composer Henry Jackman (X-Men: First Class), cinematographer Stephen Windon (Fast Five), and production designer Andrew Menzies (Knight and Day). Cast: The film features Channing Tatum, Bruce Willis, Adrianne Palicki, Dwayne Johnson, Ray Stevenson, Ray Park, Walton Goggins, Joseph Mazzello, Byung-hun Lee, Arnold Vosloo, Jonathan Pryce, and RZA – among others. Expectations: I was a huge G.I. Joe fan as a kid. I loved the TV series, the movie, and the 3 and ¾ inch action figures. Thus, when The Rise of Cobra came out in 2009, I had somewhat of a nostalgic anticipation. That film was bad. Now I know better (well I did then too, but I still rented it). Retaliation looks like a big fun dumb action movie. It was delayed from last June to March reportedly to add 3D, but there have also been rumors that with Channing Tatum’s apparent rise in popularity Paramount wanted more of Tatum in the film and thus reshot some of the scenes (though this has been denied by Chu). In any case, if you want something mindless and superficial, but with stuff that blows up, then this is for you. The rest of us will just rent it (or at least think about renting it). Trailer: Here.

Comedy:

21 and Over (Jon Lucas & Scott Moore) – Comedy – Mar 1

Plot Summary: The night before his important medical school exam and the next step to his bright future, a promising student is taken on a rambunctious night by his two best friends to celebrate his 21^st birthday. Filmmakers: The writers of The Hangover series, Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, make their directorial debut with this film. They are working with composer Lyle Workman (Get Him to the Greek), cinematographer Terry Stacey (50/50), and production designer Jerry Fleming (Crank). Cast: The film features mostly unknown (or lesser known) actors – like Miles Teller, Skylar Astin, Justin Chon, and Sarah Wright. Expectations: 21 and Over looks like a cross between The Hangover and Project X – which is not a bad thing as both those films are very funny. However, it also walks the fine line between exaggerated fun for comedic effect that works and mindless stupidity that makes the viewer feel like they wasted their time. The odd are not on its side. That said, for fans of crazy party comedies, this is probably worth renting and maybe seeing in theatres. Trailer: Here.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (Don Scardino) – Comedy – Mar 15

Plot Summary: Magician Burt Wonderstone is having a hard time. He needs to remember what made him love magic as a child. He splits with his longtime partner Anton Marvelton and begins spending time with his boyhood idol Rance Holloway in hopes of recapturing his magic. Also, he must figure out how to one up his rival, a guerrilla street magician named Steve Gray. Filmmakers: Director Don Scardino has spent a lot of time directing episodes of television. His most recent notable work has been on 30 Rock, where he directed about one fourth of the series. He is working with composer Lyle Workman (Win Win), cinematographer Matthew Clark (worked on 30 Rock as well), and production designer Keith Cunningham (The First Time). Cast: The film stars Steve Carell and co-stars Steve Buscemi and Jim Carrey. Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin, Gillian Jacobs, James Gandolfini, Brad Garrett, and Jay Mohr feature in support. Expectations: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone does have a great comedic cast with Carell, Buscemi, Carrey, and Arkin (and Jacobs is fantastic on Community), and it is the second script from the writing team of Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley who wrote Horrible Bosses which was funny. But, it looks like a typical ‘safe’ Hollywood comedy, full of watered-down recycled jokes and cheap laughs. Maybe I am wrong, but I think this is a rental at best. Trailer: Here.

Admission (Paul Weitz) – Comedy – Mar 22

Plot Summary: Portia Nathan is a Princeton admissions officer. She likes her job and is good at it, but something is missing in her life. However, everything changes when she is introduced to an aspiring Princeton student who might also be her son (who she gave up for adoption as a young mother). Filmmakers: Director Paul Weitz made some good films with his brother Chris early in his career – particularly About a Boy – but has since made a string of disappointing movies on his own (and Chris has not done any better). Maybe this is the film in which he turns things around? He is working with composer Stephen Trask (who Weitz worked with on In Good Company), cinematographer Declan Quinn (who Weitz worked with on Being Flynn), and production designer Sarah Knowles (also worked on Being Flynn). Cast: It stars Tina Fey and co-stars Paul Rudd. Michael Sheen, Wallace Shawn, Lily Tomlin, and Gloria Reuben feature in support. Expectations: I like Tina Fey and Paul Rudd a lot, but Admission does not look all that funny or good. However, it was picked up by Focus Features, which does have a decent track record on average (more so in drama – but still). I hope the trailer is just weak and the film is both better and funnier than it is made out to be, otherwise this will just be other in the line of forgettable films from Weitz. I think it is safe to call this a rental. Trailer: Here.