'JACK THE GIANT SLAYER'

'JACK THE GIANT SLAYER' (PG-13) (3 STARS)

Written by Darren Lemke, Christopher McQuarrie and Dan Studney
Directed by Bryan Singer
Actors: Nicholas Hoult, Ewan McGregor, Eleanor Tomlinson, Stanley Tucci, Bill Nighy, Ian McShane, Eddie Marsan.

I don't feel like the majority at the movies these days when I slam all these kid's movies and fantasy films. Though I am tired of seeing movies aimed towards families and kids that feel like they need to throw things at us in 3D every couple of minutes. I am tired of noisy, busy and headache inducing movies that try to over please us. I like children's movies with stories that take their time, establish characters and mood and can be thrilling without hammering us on the head with "Look at me!, I am super exciting and fast and colorful!" An effective fantasy movie knows if it is really good it doesn't need to be like a used car salesman. "Jack the Giant Slayer" has big battles and a lot going on visually but it is also a quiet and charming story with a dash of good natured humor thrown in.

"Jack" is sweet, charming and fun and most of that goes to Bryan Singer's sure touch and confidence in directing a movie like this with self control. While the story and characters charm us the visual effects are also awesome and the final battle a delight. I also love this cast who all do a bang up job of infusing their fable characters with depth and grace. This starts with Nicholas Hoult as Jack (all grown up from "About a Boy")who is likeable and winning as the movie's hero. Jack tries to win the hand and heart of the Princess while also fighting off a nefarious romantic rival and a band of Giants. The Princess is played by a fetching newcomer in Eleanor Tomlinson. You also get a funny, hammy but controlled Stanley Tucci as that rival and a charming and quietly funny Ewan McGregor as Jack's sidekick. Stir in great character actors like Ian McShane and Bill Nighy and you have a killer cast that are all very good.

The movie does have big battles and eye popping visuals in 3D but I loved how this movie starts out with a young Jack and a young princess being told stories by a parent about giants and warriors. That is a sweet beginning and I also love the light charm of this movie. That charm helps me with some segments of this movie that are too chaotic and dull. Though the good stuff outweighs these moments and in the end I knew I loved these characters and the visuals and a final battle that was well directed, more than most battle scenes of this type of movie. You have a very likeable hero, a beautiful princess and some creative visuals with the giants. I loved this movie's light sense of humor that blows away humor in movies like "Brave". I also liked this more than the over rated "Lord of the Rings" movies because unlike those this movie doesn't have 100 endings. "Jack the Giant Slayer" is fun, visually clever (love the pigs in the blanket scene) and a charming winner.