9/10
A colourful, exciting adventure
3 September 2011
This was one very entertaining watch, definitely belying its 6.8 rating on this site. For a family film, it certainly kept this adult in its spell for its entire length (3 hours). Mostly solid acting (especially from the "intense" Mia Sara), very good special sets and effects considering it was made for TV and shot 10 years ago, the pace never slows even though it does allow itself some slower, more contemplative pauses from its break-neck pace, such as the beautiful scenes of Jack (the modern one) climbing the beanstalk through a sea of clouds. The score is very good too and enhances the experience throughout. The fantasy land and inhabitants are right on the money, with a fraction of the money spent on Harry Potters et al, this one hits home.

All things considered, it is a great adaption of an age old tale, with a clever spin to it: those old tales don't always tell the truth...
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