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Jack and the Beanstalk - The Real Story Customer Reviews (1 - 3 of 10 Reviews)
Disappointing - fine cast could not rescue this one
Since I love fairy tales, and have a weakness for "retellings," the beginning of this film, with its promise of providing the rest of the story, indeed captured my interest. I enjoyed the beginning, and expected that the interesting premise, not to mention the sort of special effects and acting which one could expect from the Henson shop and Vanessa Redgrave, would be delightful.
My enthusiasm paled rather quickly as the action progressed. Apparently the dual, and confusing, premises were that one is responsible for unknown events set in motion by ancestors of centuries before, and that some vague, puzzling removal of a magical economic boost (despite the golden eggs being in storage...) destroys the entire resources of a magical people. Much as the viewer is supposed to be outraged by the lying (original) Jack's theft and treachery, the violence implicit in the people "up there" and their bizarre giants makes it rather difficult to believe that Jack had been in a cosy wonderland.
This movie makes sense, but not suitable for kids.
Whether you prefer the classic or this new version, it doesn't make any difference. The classic Jack and the magic Beanstalk is not suitable for kids anyway,Why? It teaches Killing and Stealing. No Parents will allow their children to watch a movie which if you'll analyze the meaning of the whole story, It's a horrible one.
The Giant, The golden eggs and the harp represents the Rich man with a lot of wealth. Jack represents a poor man who wants to get rich easily. What Jack did, he relied on this magic beans to get to the top where wealth is abundant. The key word here is "Magic". This is not the way to start teaching child how to live. In the real world there's no such thing as magic. If you want to live you have to work. Not by killing Giant (Rich People) or stealing someones golden egg (Money).
This movie makes sense because no matter how cruel the Giant was, Jack doesn't have the right to kill and take the Giants wealth.
A Bit Drawn Out But Still Wonderful Entertainment!
This telling of the classic story is great to look at and is just a beautiful film altogether. Mathew Modine stars as Jack Robinson, a man who has been made to believe that he won't live pass 43 as his relatives with the same names have died at that age. Jack soon finds out that the Jack and the beanstalk story has to do with the curse of his family. He finds himself pursued by a mysterious young lady played by Mia Sara and having secrets hidden from him by his so called close family friend played by John Voight.
Although this has it's flaws, like not being able to understand the giants half the time, John Voight's bad accent and the over makeuped Darayl Hannah. It still is full of wonder, adventure, lively effects and good performances by Mathew Modine, Mia Sara and Vanessa Redgrave. Plus it makes 2 big points about greed and trust. I don't really recommend watching it straight through, since it's so long it can be hard to sit through. Just like Lord of the Rings I can't say the length hurts the altogether entertainment level though.
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