JACK THE GIANT SLAYER ("BRYAN SINGER FILM?")

Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Stanley Tucci, Ewan Mcgregor, Eleanor Tomlinson.

Director: Bryan Singer.

If you go for Jack the Giant Slayer expecting a Bryan Singer(-Christopher Mcquarrie) film then you will be better off watching one of his earlier films on DVD.

Jack (Nicholas Hoult) who is the son of a farmer grows up believing in the legend of the giants just like Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson). Following some unexpected events Isabelle gets trapped in the land of the giants and Jack sets out on a rescue mission along with the soldiers.

The basic flaw with the film is that it should have been promoted as a kids’ film instead of a Bryan Singer film considering the simplicity(not in a positive sense) of the plot. I wonder if the film was made under the premise that the audience are so docile that the romance, the set up, the fights and the villains and everything else appears to happen/come on screen at the flick of a button.

I have to admit that the lead pair is cute. Cinematography is wonderful and the 3D is a treat to the eyes especially when combined with the awesome CG. But all that does not make the film an interesting watch.

Iam giving a 2.5/5 for Jack the Giant Slayer. It’s passable. Your kid may like it though.

IMDB LINK - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1351685/?ref_=sr_2

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2 to 2.25                      -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.

3 to 3.25                      -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Great.

4 to 4.25                      -           Exceptional.

4.5 and above               -           Extraordinary. 

HARIDAS (“SURPRISE SURPRISE”)

Cast: Kishore, Sneha, Prithvi Rajkumar.

Director: G N R Kumaravelan.

After giving us duds like Ninaithale Inikkum and Yuvan Yuvathi who would have thought that GNR Kumaravelan can come up with something like Haridas.

Shivadas(Kishore) is an encounter specialist who is trying to wipe off a gang completely. Once Shivadas’ mother dies his autistic motherless child Haridas(Prithvi Rajkumar) who was under her care is brought to stay with Shivadas. Shivadas decides to bring Haridas back to normal life with the help of Amuthavalli teacher (Sneha).

Haridas with a realistic script, a rarity in Tamil cinema, is carried on their shoulders all the way by the leads. Though there is the occasional humor which lightens the mood, the tempo is maintained really well.Kishore except for one scene, where his crying looks a bit forced, has a done a very good job. Prithvi Rajkumar is fabulous and Sneha gives one of the best performances of her career. The cinematography by Randy is an add on.

One dampener about the film is that it’s a bit long drawn out. The cop angle to the film could have been done away with providing for a tighter script on one hand and a better feel on the other. The first song in the film is unnecessary and the BGM is stupid at times, but it is unlikely that a parent would notice it considering the sincerity with which the film has been made.

Iam giving a 3 for Haridas and a 0.25 for the sincere efforts by the cast and crew making it a 3 to 3.25/5. It is a film you should watch for the realistic script, sincere efforts, and the wonderful performances by the leads.

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2 to 2.25                      -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.

3 to 3.25                      -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Great.

4 to 4.25                      -           Exceptional.

4.5 and above               -           Extraordinary.