Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story

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!!

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.

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!

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.