Jack the Giant Killer (2013)

***Low-budget knockoff of “Jack the Giant Slayer” is original enough to stand on its own*** The Asylum’s “Jack the Giant Killer” (2013) isn’t a remake of the 1962 film, but rather a mockbuster for which the company is known. These kinds of movies are produced with the intention of exploiting the mass publicity machine of a blockbuster with a similar title or subject, in this case “Jack the Giant Slayer,” which was released to theaters around the same time. While both films feature a main character named Jack and massive beanstalks that lead up to an amazing realm above the clouds, they’re otherwise totally different. This one doesn’t even have giants, although they’re mentioned. The “giants” here are prehistoric-like beasts that look like a cross between ankylosaurus, triceratops and an elephant, albeit the size of brontosaurs. Also, the story takes place in the present rather than some fantasy medieval period. These Asylum flicks only cost between $1 million and $2 million, so I was surprised how well done some of the CGI is, like the flying castle and Serena’s palace. Believe it or not, the “realm above the clouds” is actually superior to the one in the blockbuster “Jack the Giant Slayer” because this film uses actual locations rather than cartoonish CGI; and the locations are magnificent. Both Jamie Atkins (Jack) and Harry Dyer (Newald) work well as the son/father protagonists. Ben Cross is also on hand. On the female front, Vicki Glover stands out as Lisa, but not enough is done with her. Jane March plays Serena (the evil queen or whatever) and she still looks good at almost 40 during shooting. The first half of the movie is surprisingly good, but I was let down a bit by the conventional last act where the colossal beasts attack earth with too many reaction shots of the main characters. I would’ve preferred the script focusing on the people and the interesting dynamics thereof. Yes, some Asylum movies suck, like "30,000 Leagues Under the Sea" and "Mega Piranha.” But some don't, e.g. "The Land That Time Forgot" (2009), "6 Guns" and "Grimm's Snow White.” This one may not make the latter list, but it could have if they spent a little more money to draw out the plot’s potential. Nevertheless, it’s not bad for fans of Grade B fantasy adventure flicks. The film runs 1 hour, 27 minutes and was shot in England (Lancashire & Merseyside) and Wales, UK. GRADE: C+/B-