Jack and the Beanstalk (2009 film)
Jack and the Beanstalk is a 2009 live-action adaptation of the fairy tale "Jack and the Beanstalk" directed by Gary J. Tunnicliffe.
Jack and the Beanstalk | |
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Directed by | Gary J. Tunnicliffe |
Produced by | Gary DePew Pascal Goupil Gary J. Tunnicliffe |
Written by | Flip Kobler Cindy Marcus |
Starring | Gilbert Gottfried Chevy Chase Chloë Grace Moretz Christopher Lloyd Katey Sagal Wallace Shawn James Earl Jones |
Music by | Randy Miller |
Cinematography | Brian Baugh |
Edited by | Andrew Cohen |
Production company | Avalon Family Entertainment |
Release date |
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Running time | 94 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Plot
Jack Thatcher (Colin Ford) must perform a heroic deed or flunk out of fairy tale school. He sells a valuable possession for magic beans that grow into a giant beanstalk overnight. He climbs the enchanted beanstalk and enters a magical and dangerous world to rescue Destiny (Madison Davenport), a little girl who has been transformed into a harp by an evil giant.
This version of the tale includes references to other fairy tale characters as well as contemporary elements.
Cast
- Colin Ford as Jack
- Chloë Grace Moretz as Damsel in Distress / Jillian Squarejaw
- Gilbert Gottfried as Grayson
- James Earl Jones as The Giant (voice)
- William Brent as Prince Charming
- Emily Rose Everhard as Red Riding Hood
- Sadie Ebeyer-Deist as Sleeping Beauty
- Victoria Atilano as Ugly Step Sister
- Atalaya Atilano as Mean Step Sister
- Anthony Skillman as Hansel
- Sammi Hanratty as Gretel
- Daniel Roebuck as Mayor Lichfield
- Wallace Shawn as Broker / Booker / Lancelot Squarejaw
- Katey Sagal as Jack's Mother
- Adair Tishler as Rapunzel
- James Karen as Verri Saddius
- Madison Davenport as Destiny
- David Mattey as The Giant
- Christopher Lloyd as Headmaster
- Jeff L. Deist as Dobbytok
- Gary J. Tunnicliffe as Dobbytok (voice)
- Frank Payne as Sergeant Who
- Kevin Schon as Officer What
- Hal B. Klein as Officer Where
- Chevy Chase as General Antipode
- Alan Gray as Muckity Muck
- Brian Peck as The Emperor
Production and release
The film was originally produced for theatrical release in 2009.[2] It was shown at the Newport Beach International Film Festival on April 24, 2010.
Home media release
The film was released on home video in the United States by Screen Media Films on May 11, 2010.
Reception
Tracy Moore of Common Sense Media called the film "goofy fun" and gave it 3/5 stars.[3]
In an otherwise positive review, MovieGuide wrote, "The sets and costumes are occasionally hokey. Also, the occasional toilet humor and slapstick comedy sometimes detracts from the movie’s natural charm." Nevertheless, MovieGuide gave the film 3/4 stars.[4]
Sloan Freer of Radio Times called it a "charmless take on the classic fairy tale" and later lamented that "James Earl Jones wastes his rich tone as the voice of the underwhelming goliath."[5]
Jason Best of What's on TV wrote that Jack and the Beanstalk "seeks to emulate the playful wit of the wondrous The Princess Bride but falls woefully short."[6] He went on to note that "Christopher Lloyd, Wallace Shawn and Chevy Chase are also involved, so you’d expect the film to be a lot funnier than it is, but Gary J Tunnicliffe’s flat direction doesn’t give anyone a chance to shine."[6]
Donna Rolfe of The Dove Foundation wrote, "This is a charming fairy tale with encouraging values and colorful characters who will entertain the entire family."[7]
The Netflix company DVD.com called it a "family-friendly comedy" and gave it 31/3 out of 5 stars.[8]
References
- https://www.blu-ray.com/Jack-and-the-Beanstalk/28209/
- Jack and the beanstalk: an adventure of gigantic proportions. 28 March 2018. OCLC 567744510.
- "Jack and the Beanstalk - Movie Review".
- "JACK AND THE BEANSTALK - Movieguide - Movie Reviews for Christians". 20 September 2016.
- "Jack and the Beanstalk – review - cast and crew, movie star rating and where to watch film on TV and online". Radio Times.
- "Film review - Jack and the Beanstalk - A less-than-enchanting fairy-tale flop - Movie Talk - What's on TV". 24 February 2012.
- "Jack and the Beanstalk - Dove Family Friendly Movie Reviews".
- "Rent Jack and the Beanstalk (2009) on DVD and Blu-ray - DVD Netflix". dvd.netflix.com.