Jack and the Beanstalk (2009 film)

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.

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.

The film was released on home video in the United States by Screen Media Films on May 11, 2010.

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 3^1/3 out of 5 stars.[8]

• Jack and the Beanstalk at IMDb