Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story

I never thought twice about the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, but this movie does answer some dangling plot points such as where the beans came from and a closer look into Jack's character. Matthew Modine, Mia Sara, John Voight and all the class give wonderful performances highlighted by a believable story into the realm of beings who probably were the gods of ancient myth. Wonderful and ironic casting choices abound; Mia Sara from the fantasy "Legend" turns up in this fantasy as does Darryl Hannah playing another sort of giant after doing the "Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman" remake. The movie for me also proves just how much history or legends can be based on lies or the personal perceptions of others. The whole fantasy has a charming and intelligent telling in it as modern day Jack learns the far-fetched truth of his ancestry and his connections to an ancient myth. Someone obviously did their research searching the origins of this tale and linking it to believable characters and events. i only wished i had taped it because I'd love to see it again!

I saw Jack and the Beanstalk:The Real Story on the SyFy Channel, and I wasn't expecting much. But it was actually very entertaining, while a tad too long and Jon Voight did have an accent and mannerisms that did fall flat sometimes, it did have a lot of good points. The characters are engaging, with only Siggy being written clumsily more in how he was developed rather than the lines. The production values are colourful and enchanting in their look, there is some quirky writing and the story is as magical as can be. The pace is very brisk mostly with only the last thirty minutes or so feeling as though it was meandering, and the acting is mostly above decent with Jack being a likable hero and Vanessa Redgrave coming off best. Overall, fun and entertaining. 8/10 Bethany Cox

When I saw the listing for this film I imagined that it would be another network fantasy movie crap fest. The casting of Sara and Modine caused me to tape it and give it a look. As expected the fantasy land odd folk are bland, rather it is the "real world" segments that are magical (and literate). Sara (as fantasy land emissary) and Modine are perfect together.

Corporate head Jack Robinson is about to discover that fairytales are very real in this revisionist take on `Jack and the Beanstalk'.

The film starts off well, with Jack (Matthew Modine) discovering that life isn't as straightforward as he thought. A nice atmosphere is created as a mysterious woman, Ondine (Mia Sara looking very cute), appears dropping dire hints as to his family's secret. Eventually Jack discovers the truth behind his wealth, and finds out that it is up to him to put things right.

The `real world' segments of this movie tend to work best, as Jack struggles to come to terms with his discovery that fairy tales are true, with the `fantasy land' segments - mainly due to some variable effects - actually detracting from the sense of wonder. While most of the performances are fine (though Modine occasionally seems to be playing Scott Bakula), the guy playing the original Jack is fairly dire.

What really makes the story work is the idea that fairy tales are history dressed up to be palatable to us (and of course not necessarily reliably related history), and the way that we might exploit magic if it were available to us.

Well worth a watch for fantasy/fairy tale fans, or if you liked the superior `The 10th Kingdom'.

I'm very surprised that this movie has not gotten more attention, there is a great cast and a very good plot line. They took the old story of Jack and the beanstalk but warped it into the modern scene and made the audience begin to wonder, 'did it really happen?' I'm 20, and I wasn't sure what age range this movie is for, based on the reviews found here people say 'oh it's not for kids' or 'oh it's a great family movie with high morals' Well this is my own take on it, yeah there is violence and a lot of romance and kissing, maybe not something you want to show your very young children. I think that 10 year olds will enjoy and understand this movie as well as older people. I loved this movie and the main star is soooo hot! The story is complex enough for adults, yet simple morals can be learned for kids watching this movie. If you like Tenth Kingdom, Snow Queen, or any other Hallmark production buy this movie! I liked it James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 6/20/21.