Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story

I liked this quite a bit, despite a bit of a slow pace and general lack of umpth in the direction and editing. The cast are mostly good, the characters are all given time to get involved in the mystery and their actions s c choices drive the story along. Some of the sets look pretty good, not all of them but it mostly works. The story unfolds slowly and I fo mean slowly giving you limited information so that the story only unfolds gradually. I think i did prefer the first half the best. A few little elements bothered me like a character in the 1600s shows up with obviously modern glasses but nobody thinks it odd, hes also strong enough to overpower a man much bigger and younger than him. The overall tone I found slightly downbeat though Jon Voight is in full comic panto mode which is such a weird contrast. Its in the second half the problems begin a bit the strange world above inhabitants with magic creatures but also geese and horses, where do the people get their clothing and weapons from? How do they know about Christmas pudding? Why are there all these random deities as giants. Why are he giants randomly so trusting and helpless? How would they survive like that? Several performances just aren't good either I'm afraid. It's does have a very well done 3 act structure though with a solid climax and a love story that's not too badly done.

Overall I didn't care all too much though about the characters which isn't great when its 3 hours long.

Although it's a bit long this is a great movie. I've always been a fan of the Henson studio but this a real highlight. Great actors, great effects and a good adaptation of the story. Everybody knows the fairy tale but this is a very original modern-day spin off. i've already seen it twice and recommended it to most nieces and nephews. Ans they loved it too. Not to mention their parents. I think the story is a bit complex for the under age 8 group but they won't be bored with the effects. Matthew Modine (one of my favorites ever since I've seen him in HBO's "and the and played on") really makes the most out of the character. But there are more stars in this one. i've already bought the DVD and will probably watch it again. 4,5 stars out of 5!!

This is the story of a giant legume which brought happiness to some and misfortune to many. It's also the story of a very productive goose that laid eggs of pure gold to the music of a magic harp. These prized possessions also have the power (or so it seems) of turning dusty landscapes into valleys of verdant pastures. The excavation of some giant bones at the beginning gave promise of a pretty exciting film, but I thought the pace was slow until we met the first Jack and his mother Mrs. Robinson outraged at her son's transaction - a half a dozen bean seeds for the family cow! Then we get some real action. Thanks to computerised photography, the ground trembles and a gigantic beanstalk races upwards piercing the clouds. Naturally Jack climbs up and at the top discovers a new land inhabited by very large people. Although we realise this is photographic trickery, the miniaturisation of the human figures is well done and the appeasing of the giant's appetite has to be seen to be believed. When Jack steals the harp and the goose and clambers down the beanstalk with the angry giant in close pursuit, tension rises. Jack just makes it. The giant falls to his death and Mrs Robinson makes sure with a mighty swing of her axe. Great fairy story stuff for the children! Centuries pass. Jack and his progeny die young for there is a mighty curse on them all. The second half of the story explains how the curse can be removed if the goose and harp can be taken back to the land of the giants. Modern day Jack undertakes the mission, but is caught, tried and found guilty in the giant's court. This part of the film is not very original. If you have seen"Planet of the Apes" you will remember a similar scene where aliens are condemned for their deeds. The film covers some interesting topics currently being discussed:

(1) The cloning of the goose to provide an endless supply of gold. (2) The importance of the greening of the environment and its beneficial effect on the population.The film is cast with some well-known actors and it is fun to identify them. We have plenty of time to do so.The film runs for 3 hours (not including advertisements). Vanessa Redgrave as the Matriarch links the scenes together with a profound and prophetic commentary. Whether you can affirm her story to be true will much depend on whether "you believe in the unbelievable". It's really up to you.

this mini series was a complete winner from start to finish! a wonderful, imaginative retelling of the old fairy tale, that does a great job of imagining an alternate beginning and then adding a great storyline to help finish it out. the special effects were wonderful, including the creatures from the henson studio workroom. an excellent visualization of the world atop the beanstalk, and the rulers of their world. it was tied in very well with the modern world, and Matthew Modine made for a very likable Jack, who tries to make things right again. Mia Sara as Ondine once again shows that she is best used in a longer premise where she has room to flesh out her character. her acting has definitely improved since Timecop, and she is as beautiful as ever, if not more so!

I watched this movie all in one go and I must say I didn't move from my chair. Modine and Mia Sara's performances are excellent as are the rest. Sara plays the girl from another world who comes to Modine to help him find the truth and help her bring welfare back to her people. Modine slowly will discover where the riches of his ancestors came from. Then he will try to right the wrongs and end the curse to his family. The family moves between two worlds. Our world and a fantastic one. The scenery and the landscapes are wonderful and there is also some mistery and twists till the end. The movie addresses the greed of people and how they would go all the way just to satisfy themselves ignoring the needs of others. I highly recommend it.