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SALT LAKE CITY — There was something about the trailers leading up to “Jack the Giant Slayer” that didn’t resonate with me. I liked the cast, I liked the director, and while some of the attached writers were suspect, I had faith collective creativity would overcome.
But the trailers didn’t seem to know what they were selling. Was “Giant Slayer” a family film, or “Hobbit” knock-off or a tongue-in-cheek comedy? I didn’t know. So when Harry Knowles of Aintitcool fame described “Jack” as a “film made with an eye for the younger kids,” I grabbed my 10-year-old son and headed out to the screening.
In the end, I only partially agreed with Harry. I was relieved I hadn’t chosen to take two of my younger daughters to the film. People get eaten, the giants are scary, they’re gross, and there are several intense moments that might be too much for a younger audience.
But content-wise, Harry was pretty spot-on. “Jack” could have probably argued its way to a PG rating had Warner Brothers felt the status lucrative. And my son — he really enjoyed it. He jumped at the right places and said “eew” when he was supposed to.
In the end, we both agreed “Jack” is a well-paced, complete story that will engage the right audiences. But for those not entirely sure what they’re getting into with the price of admission, here are answers to three questions the trailers should have told us about “Jack the Giant Slayer.”
Who is Jack?
Though the trailers battled a bizarre identity crisis, “Jack the Giant Slayer” is very confident in its fairy tale adventure status. This is a movie for the fantasy lovers who can crack a smile at the idea of a giant land floating above Earth, severed only by the connivance of a magic beanstalk.
There are funny moments throughout the story, but not at the expense of Jack’s world. This isn’t a movie that winks at the audience or indulges in any self-aware degradation. “Jack the Giant Slayer” shows a lot of respect for the fantasy genre, and as a result, creates a compelling world for audiences to explore.
How old is too old?
If my 10-year-old son had kind of a sweet spot for the movie, the next obvious question is, will adults enjoy this?
Director Bryan Singer ignores the recent trend of taking classic stories and bringing them closer to our world through grit and nods to current events. Instead, he celebrates the original setting of princesses and noble knights and lurking giants and invites his audience to meet him there. If you’re still young enough at heart to make that trip, you’re the right age for this movie.
There are a few scenes in this fairy tale that are playfully juvenile, no question, but the classic themes and ever-present danger make this a fun ride for anyone willing to check their reality at the ticket counter.
Why is a children’s story PG-13?
I’d like to reiterate that this is not a film I’d take my whole family to. I have a 9- and 4-year-old daughter who would have closed their eyes for 75 percent of this movie. You may know braver 9-year-olds, but the official description is correct in stating that the movie is “rated PG-13 for intense scenes of fantasy action violence, some frightening images and brief language.”
These giants are not clumsy oafs used for comic relief. The giants are merciless killers who really like eating people, especially of a certain blood line. If the wee ones in your life are thrill-seekers, they’ll probably have a blast. On the other hand, if the bear in “Brave” had your accompanying youngsters in tears, stay far, far away from “Jack the Giant Slayer” when looking for a family outing this weekend.
One final note on the film. I consider myself a fan of what Hollywood is doing with 3D, but in this film, the in-your-face effects were more distracting than engaging. If you’re going to Giant Land on the big screen, I’d do it without the glasses.
Travis Poppleton has been writing tech and film reviews for Deseret News and KSL.com since 2010, and continues to contribute coverage for film festivals and other live events here in Utah. You can contact him at TSPoppleton@gmail.com.
