Jack The Giant Slayer

The ancient war between humans and a race of giants is reignited when Jack (Nicholas Hoult), a young farmhand, drops a magical bean. The bean grows and the stalk reaches the land of the giants. Jack then fights the giants to save the kingdom and his love, the princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson), aided by the brave chief of the Kings Guard (Ewan McGregor).

This film is neither awful or amazing. It has all the generic criteria of a fantasy adventure but what it slightly lacks is an element of excitement and anticipation.

Compared to other recent fairy tale adventure films, where the traditional stories have been given a darker twist (Snow White and the Huntsman, Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel), Bryan Singer has opted for much lighter entertainment. Singer has included a fair amount of humor, much more suited to a family audience.

There are points where the plot is rather weak, with some confusion for the audience as to who the real villain is - the king's right hand man Roderick (Stanley Tucci) or the giant General Fallon (voiced by Bill Nighy). The storyline is good but leaves too many unexplained and loose ends.

Very enthusiastic performances from the lead cast, with Nicholas Hoult playing the awkward farm boy turned hero very convincingly.

Jack the Giant Slayer is a fun take on the classic fable. Impressive CGI and action packed end fight scene, which is even more effective viewed in 3D.

This film makes for good family entertainment on a rainy Sunday afternoon!