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Now on DVD and Blu-ray-Promised Land -
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MAKING FILM SCHOLARSHIP FUN
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HOORAY FOR 1933—EIGHTY YEARS LATERJACK THE GIANT SLAYER
Although filmed on location at Hampton Court and other locations in England, Jack the Giant Slayer is heavily dependent on CGI effects which are, for the most part, quite effective, especially in 3-D. They also oblige us to believe what we see even when we know what we’re watching is impossible. The lumbering but expressive giants were created through the motion capture technique, drawing on performances from such fine actors as Bill Nighy.
My only real
quarrel with Jack, other than the
intensity and violence of its battle scenes (which are too potent for younger
children), is that it goes on too long. Some people deride me for saying this
as often as I do, but when I begin to tire of a movie long before its
conclusion—without looking at my watch—there’s nothing else I can do. Jack the Giant Slayer has many good
ingredients and would have been a stronger, more satisfying movie if it had
been shorter.
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5 Comments
Roderick Cherry | March 12, 2013 11:12 PM
I agree that "Jack" was a bit too long, but my buddy and I were pleasantly surprised by how good this movie is. And, we didn't see it in 3D, only in HD on a large (not IMAX) screen. It was better than either one of us expected. It was a rousing adventure, and full of great visual effects. The rise and fall of the beanstalks was thrilling to watch! Too bad that so few are taking the time to see this (although the large-screen theater we saw it in at 3:00 on Saturday was full), because they're missing out on the fun! Now, it's getting buried beneath "Oz."
Jeffrey | March 7, 2013 10:29 PM
If a film is too long, its too long. I totally empathize with Leonard Maltin on having that complaint about certain films.
Stephen Dunn | March 5, 2013 12:56 PM
Leonard, You think movies are too long because your job is watchng movies, and you are itching to get off work. Those of us who are paying ten bucks or more to see the thing might be forgiven for not wanting to get home ASAP.
Walt Mitchell | March 2, 2013 1:27 PM
You're right, Leonard! That's Hollywood mentality these days: "We've got all this money and all this super technology and we're going to show off every last bit of it, no matter how long it takes and no matter how bored the audience is likely to get!" Heaven forbid that they should bring home a movie that runs 75 or 80 minutes, with a budget that approaches reality! :-p!
Norm | March 1, 2013 3:56 PM
Jack the Time Slayer, er whatever, at least they didn't remake Jack the Giant Killer..Where would we be if they couldn't name the film the same ...intermission...