OK for kids 11+
Fantasy violence eased by humor in tween-friendly adventure.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Jack and the Giant Slayer is a big-budget adaptation of the classic English fairy tale. It's full of swashbuckling action, computer-generated fantasy violence, and considerable collateral damage. The violence is the result of the vengeful giants holding an (understandable) grudge against the humans. People die from being eaten (the giants tear people apart to eat them) or burned, plunging to their deaths, getting crushed, and other catastrophes. There are also sword fights, and a well-liked character meets a particularly gruesome end. There's mild romance between Jack and Princess Isabelle (they flirt and share a couple of sweet, chaste kisses) and a little bit of language ("hell," "bastared," etc.). In classic fairy tale tradition, the hero is brave and selfless, and the heroine -- while definitely up for adventure -- finds herself in need of saving on more than one occasion.
- Families can talk about how Jack the Giant Slayer compares to other versions of the tale. Were you surprised at how it compares to the Jack and the Beanstalk tale you remember?
- There's a lot of fantasy violence in the movie. Do you think the movie would have been more appropriate for younger kids if fewer people had been shown dead/dying/killed? What purpose, if any, does the violence serve?
- Why is the idea of a peasant falling in love with a royal so compelling? Was the romance in this story believable? What did Jack and Isabelle have in common, despite the difference in their status?
The good stuff
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Messages: As is generally the case in fantasy adventures, selflessness is rewarded, and a couple is allowed to marry for love instead of status. The dangers of power in the hands of the corrupt is made clear.
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Role models: Jack is heroic, smart, and sensitive. He's willing to risk his life to save Princess Isabelle -- and all of Albion -- not for glory but because it's the right thing to do. The king is able to make a selfless decision to save his people, even if it comes at a devastating personal cost. Isabelle is independent and speaks her mind, but she really does need to be saved on more than one occasion. Elmont is willing to face down Roderick and the giants even though he could have escaped.
What to watch for
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Violence: There's a significant body count and plenty of fantasy violence. People die plunging to their deaths, being eaten/trampled/burned alive by the giants, or squashed when the enormous beanstalk falls back on the kingdom. The king's guardians (and Jack) kill giants as well, usually with a knife or sword, but also with flaming arrows. One well-liked character is killed in a gruesome way. The giants tear the humans apart to eat them.
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Sex: Lingering looks lead to hand holding, embraces, and two kisses.
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Language: Very infrequent use of "hell" and "piss off," plus some mild insults like "stupid" and "idiot" and one interrupted "F--" exclamation. Also some scatological humor (the giants burp, fart, and pick/eat their boogers).
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
4
An Adventure! by MedRed
Ever since I saw the original trailer for this movie, I was concerned that the story of Jack and the Beanstalk was far too simple to turn into a full length movie. At the same time, I was intrigued.
I am relieved to say that Jack the Giant Slayer did not fail to entertain. I'm most impressed with the cohesiveness of its plot. While not a masterpiece, this movie presents a fully fleshed out story with minimal loose ends and a direct tie to the fairytale we all know.
The settings and costumes were well designed. A lot of attention was paid to the beautiful visuals. The dialogue was not overly simple, and the story wasn't completely linear.
While not horrible, the CGI definitely is not up to the standard of today. The giants never appear realistic. The movie does have its cheesy moments, but all in all a solid effort worth watching.
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4
Well done and well told adventure; fine for the whole family. by johnwdoom
Have no problem recommending this movie. The story was well told and the acting was good.
Giants were believeable and the story kept you on the edge of your seat; especially, when you thought it was ending -- prematurely. Enjoyable family picture for any range of ages.
5
Jack the Giant Slayer by stevendbeard
This movie is based on the fairy tale [Jack and the Beanstalk] but it comes with some twists . It's directed by Bryan Singer [The X-Men movies , Superman Returns] . Nicholas plays Jack , who obtains the magic beans and has to climb the resulting beanstalk to save Eleanor , a princess [the only problem is that there are carnivorous giants living at the top of the beanstalk] . Ewan plays the head of the king's men and Stanley is an adviser to the king , who both accompany Nicholas on his quest .
This is really more of a history of how this fairy tale came into being . The special effects are good and it is being shown in 2D , 3D and 3D IMAX .
It's rated "PG-13" for violence , frightening images [there are scenes of the giants eating people so I would not take any little kids] and language and has a running time of 1 hour & 54 minutes .
I enjoyed it and I would buy it on Blu-Ray .
4
Jack the Giant Slayer by JKetler
I thought that it was fun with some unexpected action. I shut my eyes for the Giant gross stuff.. mainly the kitchen giant. I just didn't want those images in my mind. I really like the leads in this movie. I had already seen Warm Bodies so I liked Nicholas Hoult already, but I really like Ewan McGregor & Ian McShane. I enjoyed it and Im glad that I saw it on the big screen. I wouldn't buy a ticket to the 3-D or the Mammoth screen. This movie doesn't need it. I think you would loose some intensity that this movie gives off if you just watch it on DVD... unless you have a theater room. There is some crazy camera aerials at the beginning. I felt like it was like soarin over california at the Disney Theme park but faster. Overall, I thought it was an entertaining movie and very visual.
5
Jack the Giant Slayer by grahamdj
Best movie I have seen in a long time. It was action packed and fun to watch. Kept me on the edge of my seat!! A wonderful feeling to know that movies are still being made where the good guys win. I have to say that "Here Comes the Boom" and "Jack the Dragon Slayer" reminds me that there are still good people left in this world today!
5
Great Movie! by nmf626
This movie is a must see, with or without children. Well done! We did not see it in 3D. It was great to watch without the 3D effects. It would be neat to watch in 3D.
4
Gaints by bobbyjr58
Very good movie to see in 3D, Gaints were great and evry thing else to with it,better than the book way back then when I was a kid
4
Better Than Expected...Very Entertaining. by Alon Patterson
There seem to be quite a few of the old fairy tales being told in real-life action films these days and not all are as well made or entertaining as this one. In fact, a few recently have been big failures with audiences but I wouldn't wager against this film. A fair indicator of this film?s promise of popularity occurs when you sit in an ordinary audience at a local cine-plex and when the movie comes to an end, people clap as if they'd just seen a live show. That says more than I could write. See this movie. It's worth the ticket price. You won't be disappointed.
4
Wonderfully Action Packed movie! by tcambare
It is a must see movie - Nicholas Hoult is a great actor and puts a lot life into any character he plays in any movie. The cast is full of very talented actors and actresses, they are amazing. However, the plot of the story could use a little refinement.
4
Not a waste of money by officelinebacker
The whole story flowed well. I don't think it would have been any better in 3D. IT was well cast and had a good mixture of comedy and action. There weren't to many scenes I would cut out of it. I am not sure that little kids should see it because of the what the giants to to people but still a family movie. Great way of explaining the story be had the fairytale. .