Jack the Giant Slayer 3D MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 Content: -2

Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci. Director: Bryan Singer

FILM SYNOPSIS: This new version of the classic fairy tale features hero Jack (Hoult) just as we remember – almost. Jack, a poor farm hand, accepts some magic beans instead of money for his uncle’s horse, then accidently “spills the beans” literally. Immediately a beanstalk emerges from the ground and in front of our eyes grows up through the clouds to where the giants are trapped between heaven and earth. Now the hideous monsters have a way to come back and conquer the world below. They kidnap the beautiful princess Isabella (Tomlinson), and Jack joins the king’s (Ian McShane) guards to rescue her. The combination of live actors and animated giants voiced by actors adds to the excitement. The actors probably had more fun than the audience will.

PREVIEW REVIEW: For almost two hours of endless battles and people-eating animated giants, thanks to 3-D technology, viewers will either love or hate Jack the Giant Slayer. It’s definitely playing to a male audience as the giants steal their scenes with crude, comical behavior that appeals to boys of all ages. Some of the giants’ antics generate more laughs than shudders, especially when they prepare a meal of “pigs in a blanket” with real pigs wrapped in a pancake. The two-headed giant (voices of Bill Nighy and John Kassir) remind this old-timer of Charlie McCarthy and Edgar Bergen.

Fairy tales, especially Snow White, are often scary, but with modern technology, even the gentlest of children’s literature can become very frightening. Definitely not for young children,Jack the Giant Slayer features hideous giants. They perform heinous atrocities that might lead to nightmares as the king’s guards, led by Elmont (Ewan McGregor), invade their territory. There is always a subtle message that “good” people always survive dangerous actions without a scratch. That message can lead youngsters down a murky path of experimenting with harmful ideas about heroism. Parents, heed the PG-13 rating. Just because there is no sex, nudity or only a few crude words does not mean it is suitable for young children.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Warner Bros.