“Jack the Giant Slayer” is far from the disaster it’s been made out to be in some circles…nor is it a wonderful achievement. It has enough visual effects and production values for three movies, but not enough story material, which is one of its problems. But it does provide vigorous, eye-filling entertainment, and paves the way for Nicholas Hoult (“Warm Bodies”) to become a major movie star. “Jack” flopped on opening weekend and it’s mainly because of the toxic buzz that has curled around it before anyone had seen it. How dare it cost so much money ($200 million)! How dare they make it a full-blooded production, especially for a family oriented movie! How dare they mess with a beloved children’s book to begin with! My advice? Shut out the noise and just watch the movie. For all the bumps in the narrative, “Jack the Giant Slayer” exerts the pull of a tall tale told by a campfire. Director Bryan Singer has gathered a first rate cast, with Nicholas Hoult as the underdog hero and newcomer Eleanor Tomlinson as the princess who will eventually inspire his bravery. The rest of the cast features Ian McShane as the princess’ father, Ewan McGregor as one of the king’s protectors, and Stanley Tucci (as good as always) as the villain. I can only call the finished film an entertaining journey, with exciting scenes followed by unnecessary stretches. But no movie so skillfully staged should be dismissed out of hand. All I can say is that I had fun watching it. And sometimes that’s all that matters.

Rating: 2.5/4